CAMDEN — The Midcoast Community Band, led by Jo Anne Parker, invites the public to celebrate spring at the first concert of their 2025 season. The concert will be held Friday, May 16, at 7 p.m., at the John St. United Methodist Church, 98 John St., Camden, Maine. The concert is free of charge and suitable for all ages.

Parker is celebrating her 38th season as director of the band, and has chosen to acknowledge her nickname with the band, Fearless Leader, as the focus for this season. Former band member Wayne Sawyer began using that “title” for Parker at a rehearsal many years ago at Georges Valley High School, where the band rehearsed, and the nickname has stuck with her loyal followers ever since.

With her nickname in mind, the band’s concerts this year will all include some of Parker’s favorite pieces through the years, and will be billed as “Fearless Leader’s Favorites”. The performance in Camden will be Part 1.

Among Parker’s favorites, the concert will include “American Flourish” (a setting of familiar patriotic and American tunes), “Highlights from Gypsy” (the musical), “John Williams in Concert”, “Rhapsody Americana” (including many familiar early American folk tunes), and “Toccata for Band” (a wonderful piece written by one of the most noted composers of band music, Frank Erickson). Also for the program, the band will play “Proud Spirit” march, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” by Fats Waller and “What a Wonderful World”.

Through the years, Midcoast Community Band has consistently held about 25 members, sometimes increasing to 30 in the summer months. Parker is pleased to note that this spring, there have been eight new members joining the band, some returning after years away and some brand new players from the community. New members are always welcome. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings, at 7 p.m., at the Thomaston American Legion building.

The Midcoast Community Band is keeping the tradition of community bands alive in Midcoast Maine. They have been playing since 1986 for civic events, concerts and parades.

Future engagements for the band include Boots on the Ground in Thomaston on May 24, a Flag Day observance at the Rockland Elks on June 14 , a concert on July 4 at the Camden Amphitheatre, the Friendship Day celebration on July 19, and a concert in So. Thomaston on August 10.

Email midcoastcommunityband@gmail.com for more information.