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Lake Charles Community
Band History
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- The Lake Charles Community Band has a history
which began over a century ago. Although the size and instrumentation have
varied considerably, the band's predecessors have had a continuing policy
of providing a combination of musical entertainment and culture for the
citizens of southwest Louisiana.
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- Two of the city's pioneer bands, both organized
in 1881, were known as the R.K.R. Cornet Band and the Lake Charles Brass
Band. Around the turn of the century the fifteen-member Eureka Brass Band
entertained local audiences. In 1908, the city's First Regiment Band provided
music at the popular Shell Beach Casino, and in 1933, the Lake Charles
City Band was known both as a concert and a marching group. After several
years of inactivity, the Community Band of Southwest Louisiana was organized
in 1979, with Herman Vincent as conductor.
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- Members of that band form the nucleus of the Lake Charles
Community Band which began rehearsals on February 8, 1988. Steve Hand was
director and rehearsals were held at Barbe High School. Dr. Royce Tevis
took over the podium in 1995 and rehearsals moved to McNeese State University.
Current conductor, Rod Lauderdale, was handed
the baton in May 1997. In September 1998, the band established a permanent
office at Central School Arts and Humanities Center with rehearsals held
in the auditorium.
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- The make-up of the band includes several band directors,
teachers, retirees, housewives, craftsmen, professionals, and students.
The band is an all-volunteer group which is dedicated to sharing a love
of music with the public. All concerts are free admission. See concert
listings for upcoming dates and locations.
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Lake Charles Community Band
Central School Arts and Humanities Center
809 Kirby St. - Room 104
Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601
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