July 11, 2002
The Town of Herndon wants to bring music to its community. The Council for the Arts of Herndon is looking to start a Herndon band and or a Herndon orchestra. The Council for the Arts is currently conducting a survey to see if there is enough interest to do so. "I feel that it is something needed in the area," said Council for the Arts executive director Karen Cobb.
"We have the Town Square Singers but we don't have a town band or town orchestra," said Council for the Arts of Herndon president Harlon Reece. "We're just trying to see if there is any interest in starting one."
Brass, woodwinds and drums would be some of the featured kinds of musicians if a band were to be started. Instruments typical to those of a high school or college band, said Reece. "There may be people out there that really enjoy playing. People who have played in the past," said Reece.
If a director is found for the band, it would be up to that person to determine the members. "There would have to be some sort of level of auditions," said Reece. The music too would be up to the director.
If a Herndon band or orchestra were started they would play at many of the Town's functions such as the fourth of July celebration. They would also play at the Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies. "We had a dedication of the veteran's memorial and we tried to get a service band, but they were all booked up," said Reece. "If we had had a band, it would have really added to that event."
Having a Herndon band or orchestra would prove to be beneficial to the Herndon community. "I think the primary benefit of having a band would be that they could be called upon to play at the Memorial Day and Veteran's Day ceremonies as well as the fourth of July celebration," said Reece. "They could also be one of the groups to perform at our Thursday night summer concert series."
An added benefit of having a town band, "People who have talent would have an outlet and a chance to display that talent," said Reece. "Towns across the country have bands that perform in their town squares."
"I think it's something people could enjoy," said Cobb.
Anyone who is interested in starting a Herndon band and or Herndon orchestra is encouraged to contact The Council for the Arts of Herndon to take part in the survey. They are interested in hearing from people of all ages and talent. Contact the Council of Arts by phone at 703-689-9535 or by email at karenc@herndonarts.org.