Our Mission
The Fredericksburg Concert Band offers volunteer area musicians a professional environment to assemble and play for their mutual enjoyment, to provide cultural and educational enrichment for the community through public performances, and promote further development of musical skills in students and musicians of all ages.
Our History
The Fredericksburg Concert Band was formed in November 1998 to musically enrich the culture of the Fredericksburg region and to provide a venue for musicians to further their musical talents. The band was formed by Kirby McClain and originally directed by John Easley. Our premier concert was on May 9, 1999 with 69 musicians. The band has performed in many events, including Fredericksburg Music Under the Stars Concerts at Hurkamp Park, the Spotsylvania Stars and Stripes Spectacular, Spotsylvania Summer Concert Series, the Charlottesville Community Band Festival, the September 11th Memorial Concert, St. William of York International Fall Festival, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative Annual Meetings, Fredericksburg Area Museum Sounds of Summer Concert Series, Germanna Community College commencements, and annual FCB Fall, Holiday, and Spring Concerts. In the fall of 2018, for the kick-off of our 20th anniversary, the FCCB renamed itself Fredericksburg Concert Band (FCB) and updated its logo, website, and online accounts.
The FCB is made up of members from the Fredericksburg area. We rehearse weekly to prepare to delight our community with concerts. To support another of its corporate purposes, education, the FCB annually awards a scholarship to a talented graduating high school senior who is pursuing a higher education in music. To further our charitable purpose, the FCB has an enduring relationship with Fredericksburg Salvation Army Youth Music Program.
The Elf Platoon was formed in December 1998 by Member Dave Taylor. It plays for the Virginia Railway Express Santa Train and other holiday events.
The Memories Ensemble was formed in January 2015 by Member and Associate Conductor Ken Lipscomb and plays for local assisted living facilities and other community events.