This year marks two milestones: America's 250th birthday, and the Abilene Community Band's 50th. The Abilene Chamber of Commerce had the idea to form a community band as part of America’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976. It opened up an opportunity for adults who had once played an instrument to make music again. Although it was originally intended to be a one-time performance, the musicians wanted to keep it going.
When the community band was in its 20th year, an Abilene Reporter news article described it like this: “It’s almost as if people were walking in off the streets. Lawyers, teachers, office managers.” It was a true communal experience with people from various neighborhoods and professions with a shared purpose.
Joe Stephens played clarinet at that first Fourth of July concert in ‘76. When the band's original director eventually stepped away, members turned to Stephens to take over, and he has been directing ever since!
Every summer, the Independence Day concert is a staple. But, as time has passed more concerts have been added to the calendar. Director Stephens, says the purpose of the band will always remain the same, "to provide a place for musicians that have already graduated… (and) to do service projects for the city of Abilene.”
Today, 65 volunteer musicians make up the Abilene Community Band. Andrew Potter had not played in years, but was inspired to join after a July 4th concert. Also, newer member, Mary Dunn, mentioned the importance of this year’s Independence Day concert coinciding with the band's 50th anniversary.
In keeping with the inspiration that kindled the flame of this group, the band starts the Fourth of July concert, and every performance, with the National Anthem. Stephens says that it’s not something that gets old because, “it's something that moves me from within. Sometimes maybe I'll even tear up because of what it means."
Over the past 50 years, the Abilene community band has played at the Paramount Theatre, Dyess Air Force Base, and at multiple community events across Abilene. This year, the group was honored to be a special part of Abilene’s Fourth of July celebration as they plan to continue to bring musicians and the city of Abilene together through patriotic music for decades to come.