Frequently Asked Questions
What steps are necessary to join the band?
Send an email to membership@montcoband.org, including a brief summary of your playing experiences. You will be contacted and given further details. Most relevant information is in the members' area of the website.
Is a formal audition necessary for new candidates?
Yes. When you contact us, provide a small summary of your playing history and background. As long as there is a position available for your instrument, you will be asked to "sit in" on a rehearsal. Before the rehearsal you choose to attend you will be asked to play a short audition for the director or assistant director and a senior member of the section you are interested in joining. During the audition you are asked to play something prepared, a few scales and sight read some band literature to demonstrate tone and basic technique. The audition will be held in a separate room.
What other requirements are necessary for membership?
The director would like all candidates to make a commitment in regards to attendance.
- The band rehearses every Tuesday night except over the winter holiday season after the formal winter concert.
- The director emphasizes the need to attend these Tuesday rehearsals on a regular basis to avoid a "revolving door" situation.
- Please consider distance when deciding to join. The band usually practices at Pennfield Middle School in Hatfield. During the summer period rehearsals are held at various venues throughout the North Penn /Souderton Area.
- The band has a very extensive summer concert schedule, sometimes multiple concerts in one week, both weekend and week days. The concerts take place mainly in Montgomery County, with some in the adjoining counties as well.
Where do the rehearsals take place?
Rehearsals are usually held at the Pennfield Middle School in Hatfield and always in the Lansdale vicinity. Consult the band calendar for location and directions.
Is there a membership fee?
No.
What is the attire for performances?
Summer: Montco Band Golf Shirt with logo. This can be obtained through one of the band members for a small fee.
Winter/ Spring (formal) Concerts: traditional black on the bottom, white on the top.
What kind of material do you play?
There are some great sound clips from previous MCCB performances on the website. Also, in the archives section of the website there is a list of past bulletins from the conductor. You can get a "feel" for what we play, where and how often by browsing through these bulletins as well as the calendar.
What else should I know?
Each new candidate is voted in permanently by the membership after a "tryout" period of one year. (Consult the MCCB Constitution on the website.)
It is wise to consider travel time to the North Penn Area before deciding whether you wish to be a permanent member.
Playing in MCCB is not a "pushy" or "high pressure" situation. The rehearsal process is enjoyable and friendly; however, we maintain a very high level of musicianship.