Our Purpose:

The Jackson Area Community Band Association was organized to provide adult and student musicians performance opportunities in concert and Big Band settings.

The band first met in 1994 at Jackson State Community College. In the summer of 2000, the band moved to Union University, reorganized, and became an independent, non-profit association.

JACB is a member of the Association of Concert Bands, a national organization for community and civic bands.

Membership:

Our members range in age from high school students to senior citizens with a wide variety of occupations and interests. Membership in the concert band is open to anyone beginning with high school students who can play a minimum of grade 3 (or higher) music. Membership in the Jackson Swing Orchestra is limited to availability of openings and requires an invitation from the director. Our members pay a yearly fee of $25.00.

The Symphonic Winds is the symphonic arm of the JACB and rehearses on the first and third Monday evenings of the month, year-round, from 6:30 to 8:00 PM in the band room at Jennings Hall on the Union University Campus.

The Jackson Swing Orchestra plays “big band” music and rehearses on the second and fourth Mondays from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.

Performances:

The Symphonic Winds performs at least three times a year, usually giving a winter, spring, and summer concert. Performances are held throughout the area at various colleges, schools and churches. The band has performed at city festivals and has been a part of Jackson Parks and Recreation Department’s "Concert in the Park" series each summer which is held at Highland Park.

The Swing Orchestra performs with the concert band and also at various jazz festivals and other events throughout the year.

Other Activities:

Once a year the band hosts a dinner gathering for the Advisory Board - members of the community who volunteer their time and resources to further the band’s programs. This informal occasion provides an opportunity for the Advisory Board members to offer suggestions and ideas for promoting the community band.

The JACB plans to hold at least one fund-raising activity each year to help with operating expenses and to provide money for scholarship funds.