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Community Band(s) in/near Oakland, CA

Author: Adrian_B-flat
Date: 2018-04-14 01:28

Hi -

I may be be moving to the Oakland, CA area in the not-too-far future. I was wondering if anyone had knowledge of or suggestions for "fun" community band(s) in that general area that are good for casual/amateur/hobbyist level players who aren't too serious but like the occasional challenge.

A little more specifically, I just like to play. I'm actually a pretty decent player and sightreader (though not in my "prime") but, nowadays, I play knowing that I lack the time and talent to "go pro". I don't really care if I play first or third as long as I get to play. I was competitive about that kind of thing in high school and college when I had a lot more time to practice and "be serious" (though I've never had formal lessons with a teacher) but that was a different time in my life. I'm at an age/stage/situation in my life where I'm not looking for attention nor do I really want to compete for a seat. Ideally, I'd like a low-pressure situation where I can just enjoy playing clarinet in a band setting.

I'm currently involved in two community bands. One is bigger (70-80 players) and plays a good mix of band music with some pretty challenging stuff thrown in...they do both indoor and outdoor (in the summer) concerts and as well as parades (on a float- not marching) on some holidays. The other is smaller (30-40 players) and much more casual but is primarily an outdoor "summer" band (gazebo usually) with an indoor New Year's Eve gig. The bigger challenge with the smaller band is that there are relatively few rehearsals (maybe 2-4) before you play a concert...if you're new (like I was the first time I played), you may get one sight-read then have the concert. Both are quite fun to be in.

Given the above, I was wondering if anyone familiar with the Oakland area band scene is aware of a relaxed kind of band similar to the ones I'm in now. One that would be looking for a clarinet player who is fine with being a "utility" player (ie: put me wherever you want...as long as it's playing Bb clarinet, of course) and starting from the bottom. One that has a mix of people who play for a living (professional musicians and/or teachers) and amateurs.

Thanks!
Adrian

Post Edited (2018-04-14 03:56)

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