Grab your instrument and join one of these 3 community bands in Birmingham, including the Crestwood Community Band

Did you know, Birmingham is home to many community bands? So grab your instrument and check out these three talented groups bringing music to Birmingham.

Crestwood Community Band

Do you remember the days of high school concert band? You may have enjoyed playing in a band, but all of the rules and having to play exactly what your teacher wanted you to probably wasn’t to thrilling.

Enter the Crestwood Community Band. A group of amateur musicians dedicated to reviving the fun of being in a school band, but this time as adults who play by their own rules.

The band came to life in 2015 when Stacey Gordon and her partner, Sherrie Hafley, wished they had others to jam with. Since then, the band has continued to grow and has played several hot spots around Birmingham, including Cahaba Brewing Company and Iron City.

What kind of music does the band play? 

All sorts! From pop and rock to swing, Broadway show tunes and more, the Crestwood Community Band plays whatever they want and whatever they think will get the audience excited and dancing.

Wanna join the Crestwood Community Band?

You can! The Crestwood Community Band welcomes anyone who wants to join in on the musical fun. There are no expectations, try-outs or minimum practice requirements. Just swing by a rehearsal or two and see if it feels like the right fit for you!

Want a more up-close look at the band? Follow this link.

UAB Summer Community Band

UAB is known for many things, including a large music department. For over 10 years, the UAB Summer Community Band has been bringing music to the greater Birmingham area during their annual 4th of July concert. (Check it out in front of Barlow Arena!)

This year’s band is made up of 65 members who rehearse Monday nights from 6:30pm-8pm throughout June until the July 4^th performance.

“We have a fantastic group,” said Dr. Sean Murray, Director of Bands at UAB. “They are working hard to present a wonderful concert for local patrons.”

Along with patriotic music setting the perfect tone for the 4^th of July, the band also plays music from composers like Gershwin, Broadway musicals and movies.

Interested in joining the UAB Summer Community Band? 

If you’re interested in joining the UAB Summer Community Band, here’s how it works:

At the beginning of every summer, UAB’s music department puts out an all-call to local community musicians, UAB band members and upper-level high school students. So be on the look out!

You can also contact Dr. Murray at spmurray@uab.edu for more info on how to become a part of the UAB Summer Community Band.

Birmingham Community Band

The Birmingham Community Band has been performing around the Birmingham/Jefferson County area since it was founded in 1989. It features two performing groups:

• Concert Band (45 members)
• Wind Ensemble (33 members)

They play a variety of music, including:

• Concert marches
• Overtures
• Waltzes
• Suites
• Musicals
• Medleys
• Transcriptions of orchestra pieces
• Arrangements of popular music

“Community Bands are popular with certain crowds,” said Peggy Brooks, Secretary and member of the Birmingham Community Band. “For some it is a trip down memory lane. For some it is a social opportunity. Most of us play because we ‘have to’. It is part of who we are.”

Become a Part of the Band

Interesting in becoming part of the Birmingham Community Band? There are no auditions required. Instead, the band asks that those interested in joining should sit in on a few rehearsals to see if you feel comfortable with the music and vibe.

Rehearsals depend on which performance group you want to join. Here are the details:

• Concert Band rehearses every Tuesday from 7pm-9pm.
• Wind Ensemble rehearses every Wednesday from 7pm-9pm.

Currently, both groups rehearse in the band room at UAB.

For more info on how to join, message the band on Facebook.

If you’re interested in seeing what this band can do, then be sure to check out their next performance on Sun., Aug. 26 at 4pm at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church.