About the Madison Community Band
"Let's Make Beautiful Music Together"
The Madison Community Band is an all-volunteer community band based in Richmond, Kentucky.
Established in July 2009, the band is under the direction of its founder, Dr. John Stroube. Following a dinner meeting held at Logan's Roadhouse in Richmond, Dr. Stroube, H. Brent Barton, Larry Barton, Dr. Ken Haddix, and Marc Whitt discussed the dream of a community band in Madison County, which soon became a reality.
The band first met in the fall of 2009 with approximately 30 members. Since then, the Madison Community Band has grown to its present-day size of about 80 members. These members represent various ages and professions - from college students, physicians, university faculty and administrators, and civic leaders to business people, homemakers, public school teachers, music educators, and retirees. Members come from several communities across Central and Southeastern Kentucky.
The band's concert season typically includes two performances in the fall (October and December), two in the spring (February and April), and two in the summer (June and August). Rehearsals are typically held on five or six Sunday evenings in Richmond before each concert performance.
A proud member of the Association of Concert Bands, the Madison Community Band does not require an audition or registration fee, but expects members to be proficient on their instrument. Those interested in joining the ranks of the Madison Community Band are invited to contact Dr. Stroube.
The Madison Community Band has performed nearly 70 concerts since its inaugural season, with performances including two appearances at the Great American Brass Band Festival in Danville, Kentucky, and the International Town & Gown Association's 2012 annual conference in Richmond, whose audience members represented higher education and civic leaders in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, and Italy.
"Our youngest musicians are teenagers, and our oldest members are at or approaching 90 years of age, with the bulk of the band's makeup in between," Dr. Stroube said. "It's a wonderful blend of ages and talents that always result in well-executed performances. Musicians come to us from various backgrounds, and one purpose of the band is to offer a comfortable, rewarding musical experience. We want to share the joy of live concert music with volunteer musicians and those who come to hear us play."
Welcome
to the Madison Community Band!
Information for those wishing to join our ranks.
Why is there a Madison Community Band in Richmond, Kentucky?
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Making music is FUN!
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A band provides a sense of community among its members.
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A band provides an opportunity for social interaction, intellectual and emotional challenge, and a venue to share the music with family and friends.
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A community band gives its members a place to belong.
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Audience members have an opportunity for social interaction at the performances, and can be expected to take pride in “their” community band.
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The presence of a local band is an enticement to attract businesses, industry, medical personnel, and teachers to the area.
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Young and old alike can grow musically if they get involved.
What is the band's schedule?
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We perform two concerts in the fall and two concerts in the spring. Typically, there is a performance around July 4.
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We rehearse on Sunday evenings (typically 7-8:30 p.m.). And upcoming concerts are on a Sunday afternoon (usually at 3 p.m.). We generally take a few weeks off after a performance and re-group five weeks before a concert.
What does the band play?
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Standard concert band literature
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Transcriptions
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Show tunes
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Seasonal and patriotic favorites
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Marches of various types
How difficult is the music?
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Sometimes it's easy, sometimes it's difficult, but there is room for all. Nobody is made to feel uncomfortable.
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People who played at the all-state level in high school, or who played in college should fit in very well. Others might need to work harder and practice more.
What instruments are used?
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Woodwinds, brass, percussion, and string bass
How much does it cost to be a member of the band?
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Good news! To be a member of the Madison Community Band costs nothing. Membership is FREE! However, you are responsible for your own instrument and music stand.
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Who conducts the band?
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Dr. John Stroube is the director. His day job is Executive Director of the Kentucky Music Educators Association, a position he assumed after having served as a band director at the middle school, high school, and collegiate levels. He also serves as artistic director for the Great American Brass Band Festival.
