Who Are We?

The Southern Maryland Concert Band was formed in 1984 as an all-volunteer, non-profit, community-based ensemble of adult and student instrumentalists dedicated to performing quality concert band music for audiences in Southern Maryland.

Seventeen concert seasons ago, Charles Armstrong, former Supervisor of Music and longtime band director in the Charles County public schools, had a dream: to recreate the American tradition of community bands in Southern Maryland. The "golden age of bands", from the mid-1800's to the 1920's, was characterized by each community having its own volunteer band. Because radio and records did not exist during most of this period, the only form of musical entertainment in many communities was the town band, which typically performed on Sunday afternoons from the town bandstand. Occasionally, a professional band would come to town; these bands, which sometimes numbered up to 2,000 instrumentalists and 20,000 vocalists, generated great excitement wherever they performed. The popularity of bands reach its apex at the turn of the century when John Philip Sousa, the "March King", created his own touring band, The Sousa Band.

Through Armstrong's vision, the "Community Concert Band, Inc" was formed in early 1984 in Charles County, largely through Armstrong contacting former students from his 25 years of teaching. In 1985, the name was changed to "Southern Maryland Concert Band" to reflect the wide geographic diversity of the Band's membership and its public performance locations throughout the four counties of Southern Maryland.

Based in Charles County since its inception, the SMCB has performed many formal and community concerts over the years. The SMCB is the only community-based instrumental ensemble dedicated to providing quality, yet affordable music to families in Southern Maryland. Each year, the SMCB presents at least three formal concerts throughout Southern Maryland. Additionally, 8 - 10 informal community concerts are given annually in Southern Maryland at fairs, festivals, historic occasions and special events.

We are committed to performing a challenging quality music repertoire and rehearsing diligently from January through the end of October each year to ensure the finest musical product possible from our members. With no audition requirement, the SMCB brings together all levels of musicians - from high school age with little performing experience to retirees who have performed with the military bands. This mix of experience levels makes for exciting learning experiences and enhances the overall musicianship of all those involved.

New members are welcome to join the Southern Maryland Concert Band during the "open season". No audition is required. For information on joining the Band, drop us a note.