About Lake Concert Band
Entertaining Central Florida since 1989
About Us
The Lake Concert Band was originally formed in 1989 as the Lake Sentinel Community Concert Band under the sponsorship of the Orlando Sentinel newspaper. During 2007 the band reorganized and became the Lake Concert Band, a Florida non-profit corporation. For thirty-five years the band has entertained thousands of central Florida residents and visitors at numerous concerts, parades, and community events. The band has steadily increased in membership from approximately 12 to its present size of more than 80 all-volunteer musicians. Band members have ranged in age from high school students to a few members in their nineties and come from all walks of life.
Despite their diverse backgrounds, all band members have one goal in common and that is providing a quality musical experience to the community. Band members willingly give up their holidays and days off to perform free concerts at numerous community events each year. The smiles, applause, and appreciation of their audience is all that is asked in return. The band’s growing popularity is a reflection of the dedication of its members.
The band performs a variety of music including marches, Latin tunes, classical, big band hits and Broadway melodies.
Current Band Members
Concerts Performed since 1989
Venues
Our Story
1989
Established
The late Bill Bond, former columnist for the Lake Sentinel, started the band in 1989. He wrote a column criticizing the 4th of July Parade in Tavares because it didn’t include any bands. He attended a Tavares Chamber of Commerce breakfast, and the members challenged him to start a band. As a result, he wrote another column seeking volunteers to form a community band. Seventeen people showed up, and the rest is history.
– from “Band Provides Free Community Service”, Lake Today, by James Combs, page 10.
2007
Incorporation
During 2007 the band reorganized and became the Lake Concert Band, a Florida non-profit corporation.
2014
Celebrated 25 Years
At the Lake Concert Band 25th Anniversary Holiday Concert at the Mount Dora Community Center three of our former directors (Wilbur “Smitty” Smith, Gordon Purslow & Wesley Johnson) stood up and directed some songs for us. Mark even showed up in his famous Sousa jacket.
2015
John Landers Becomes Director
John F. Landers, our current director, was appointed by the Board of Directors as our Music Director effective February 19, 2015.
2024
Celebrating 35 Years
This year we will celebrate 35 years entertaining audiences throughout Central Florida.
Lake Concert Band
The band is continually seeking new members and is relatively easy to join. Although no auditions are required, applicants must be able to read music, have their own instruments, and be willing to regularly attend weekly rehearsal sessions. All applicants for membership will be informally evaluated by the band’s director and/or section leaders and will be assigned within the appropriate section based upon his/her musical abilities, experience, and the needs of the band.
Email Us
Call
John Landers (716) 863-2742 or
Betsy Chandler (352) 223-2734