About Us
The Bellingham Community Band includes a lively mix of participants ranging from high school / college students to seasoned musicians in their 90s. As a concert band we strive, under the direction of Frank Kuhl, to increase the musical experience and skills of our participants, as well as expanding the repertoire and the range of complexity of the music the band plays.
Always eager for new members, we encourage you to explore our website and to contact us if you've been yearning to blow the dust off of your old instrument. No auditions are required - just a love for music, a delight in band performance, and a willingness to learn new things within a fun, collaborative, and supportive group of music lovers.
Always eager for new members, we encourage you to explore our website and to contact us if you've been yearning to blow the dust off of your old instrument. No auditions are required - just a love for music, a delight in band performance, and a willingness to learn new things within a fun, collaborative, and supportive group of music lovers.
Who We Are |
The Bellingham Community Band, originally chartered as the "Bellingham High School Alumni Band," is truly a community band. We sponsor scholarships to assist graduating high school students who are pursuing studies in music; our members often volunteer at local public schools, perform with a variety of other local and regional musical groups, and participate in local parades and other events.
We perform an annual Spring Concert (our primary fundraising event) as well as at the Veteran's Day ceremonies at Bellingham's City Hall, two Memorial Day ceremonies in Whatcom County, an annual outdoor summer concert at Birch Bay State Park, and the Christmas Bazaar at the Port of Bellingham Ferry Terminal. Our smaller Jazz ensemble, directed by Joel Hall, performs at various venues and retirement centers throughout the year. |
Our History |
The Bellingham High School Alumni Band was formed in 1998 to honor the 60-year history of Bellingham High School’s music program and to recognize the many students who have participated in this program throughout the years while the school was closed for renovation. The original focus of the band was to play and march in parades such as the Ski To Sea (Blossom Time) in Bellingham.
In 2012 the band decided to stop marching and has evolved into a concert band. The original membership requirement of being a Bellingham High School alumnus has now been waived in order to make the Band more community-focused. While there are many original Bellingham High School graduates remaining in the Band, the band draws a significant portion of its membership from many communities in Whatcom County as well as Skagit County and beyond. |