BAND RECEIVES 2023 GOVERNOR’S ARTS & HERITAGE AWARD
From ArtsWA (www.arts.wa/gaha)
The Washington State Arts Commission has announced the honorees of the 2023 Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards. The nine honorees’ work spans glasswork, music education, community murals, and more. Established in 1966, the Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards are the highest honor bestowed by the Governor’s office for accomplishments in arts and culture.
Sequim City Band (Organization Award) was established in 1992 as the only community band on the North Olympic Peninsula. Sequim City Band performs up to 10 free concerts each year, promoting musical expression opportunities to students and senior citizens alike and enriching the lives of attendees. The Band attracts members ranging from high-school aged members to octogenarians and demonstrates exceptional commitment to and engagement with their local community.
“These awards are a true community celebration,” said Karen Hanan, Executive Director of ArtsWA. “Nominations poured in from across the state with a clear message: Washington is home to outstanding artists, organizations, and culture bearers that deserve to stand up and be recognized. Their work enriches our communities and enlivens the entire state.”
The Governor’s Arts & Heritage Awards will be presented on November 15, 2023 at the Governor’s Residence in Olympia, WA.
FIRST INDOOR 2023-24 CONCERT
A concert by this well-known community concert band is a great event for families. Not only are the concert and parking free, but it allows children to hear a live band with those tubas, trombones, trumpets, saxophones, clarinets, and flutes playing music from such movies as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
FINAL CONCERT OF SUMMER 2023
Join the Sequim City Band for the last concert of the summer season. A guest band, the Hometown Band from Kitsap County, will take the stage at 1:30 PM. The Sequim City Band’s “American Icons” concert begins at 2:45 PM.
This afternoon of live concerts is taking place on the James Center stage in partnership with PET LOVERS’ DAY, sponsored by KSQM 91.5FM. Various pet-related organizations will be on-site from 11 AM to 4 PM. Come early to visit the tents and watch pet demonstrations – then grab some food and drink from one of the food trucks, place your camp chair in your favorite spot, and enjoy a full afternoon of live entertainment.
Style your mullet, dig those “Members Only” jackets out of storage, and arrive in your DeLorean as the band travels back to the 1980s in a celebration of film, Broadway, and popular music of the decade.
Sequim City Band will be the closing performance for the “Community Days Celebration” at the Field Arts & Events Hall
“Community Days Celebration” is a free “pop-in and pop-out” weekend event with performances by local performing artists to celebrate the opening of the Field Arts & Events Hall. It is a chance for the public to experience this new performance space with no RSVP or reservations required.
The Sequim City Band is honored to close the weekend on the stage at Field Hall. As the largest musical ensemble to grace the stage, the band has a concert program to fill the hall with uplifting music that will reach the back row of the balcony. Bring your family and friends and “pop-in” by 6:15 PM to experience the music and the space of this beautiful arts venue.
For more information about “Community Days Celebration”, go to: www.fieldhallevents.org/community-days
Sequim City Band presents their annual “Patriotic 4th” Concert!!!
Bring your lawn chair and kick-off the 4th of July celebration listening to the energetic tunes of a rousing Independence Day concert. Concert goers will be treated to beautiful arrangements of ‘America, the Beautiful’ and ‘Shenandoah’, a medley of Rodgers and Hammerstein show tunes, a fugue based on the Revolutionary tune ‘Yankee Doodle’ and the band’s traditional salute to past and current service personnel with a medley of military service songs in ‘Armed Forces Salute’. There will be well-known patriotic marches by two of America’s March Kings – Henry Fillmore and John Philip Sousa. These are just a few of the musical pieces that have become a part of the band’s 4th of July celebrations – a tradition since 1992.
Food and beverage vendors will be on-site for this free concert. And parking is free, too! Stay after the concert for activities and more music from the James Center stage sponsored by the City of Sequim. And – don’t forget – the fireworks will start at dusk.
Ribbon Cutting & Open House for the New Rehearsal Hall – June 11th
Under quintessential Sequim sunny skies, the Sequim City Band assembled on stage to perform its June 11th “Building a Legacy” concert. Immediately prior to the concert, the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors conducted a ribbon-cutting in front of the James Center for the Performing Arts stage in recognition of the completion of the new rehearsal hall. SCB Board President Debbi Soderstrom cut the ribbon under the watchful eyes of Music Director Tyler Benedict and the band’s musicians. Sequim City Manager Matt Huish and State Representative Steve Tharinger provided congratulatory comments during the concert. Beth Pratt, Executive Director of the Chamber of Concert, served as ceremony announcer for the ribbon cutting and she provided program notes for the concert itself. After the concert, the audience was invited to tour the facility and address their questions to the band members.
“Music, She Wrote”
Sequim City Band Winter Concert
A concert of contemporary classical music written by women composers. Music from Julie Giroux, Amy Beach, Cait Nishimura, and others.
Sunday March 12th at 3PM
Sequim High School Auditorium
Donations Welcome. Free On-site parking included.
Facial masks are advised until the Clallam County Covid rates are in the “low” category as described by the county.
Posted 15 February 2023 / Retired 14 March 2023
“Sounds of the Season” Holiday Concert
December 18th — 3PM — Sequim High School Auditorium
Announcer: Bud Davies
Star Spangled Banner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Stafford Smith / arr. Floyd Werle
Lyrics Francis Scott Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Performed by Juan de Fuca Harmony
Sleigh Ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leroy Anderson
Diminished Minor Alterations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David Lovrien
The Eighth Candle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Steve Reisteter
Santa at the Symphony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Mark Williams
Greensleeves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Alfred Reed
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas . . . . . . . . Poem by Clement Clarke Moore / arr. Jack Bullock
Merry Christmas Everyone! (A Christmas Sing-a-long). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. Steven Reineke
Happy Holiday / White Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irving Berlin / arr. Ted Ricketts
Kindly wear a close-fitting face mask for the protection of other audience members. Masks will be advised until the Clallam County Covid rates are into the “low” category as described by the county. This concert will be presented without intermission.
Posted 17 November 2022 / Retired 20 December 2022
August 14th Concert Update
Movies, Musicals, and Marched
The Sequim City Band’s August 14th concert has been revised. The previously announced 1:45 PM musical set by Olympic Express Big Band has been canceled due to public health concerns.
The remainder of the musical afternoon will continue with the Sequim City Band starting its’ concert at 3:00 PM at the James Center for the Performing Arts (506 N Blake Ave, Sequim). The free public concert and on-site parking are free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a wide-brimmed hat or umbrella for all of that Sequim sun, and spend the afternoon with earworm-worthy music by our very own community band – a tradition since 1992.
The concert theme of “Movies, Musicals, and Marches” will feature familiar songs from Tony-winning musicals such as Les Misérables & The King and I. Then the band will transport the audience to small-town life with “76 Trombones” (from The Music Man) & to the futuristic far-off reaches of space with musical selections from Star Trek. For the young at heart there will be selections from the 2021 computer-animated musical fantasy comedy Encanto, including the viral sensation “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”. Marches will include the vintage ragtime/Dixieland-style march – “Broadway One-Step” and John William’s “Midway March” from the WWII era movie Midway. For more detail, check the article “Sequim band to celebrate ‘Movies, Musicals and Marches’, Sequim Gazette, Wednesday, August 10, 2022”.
Remember to save the date for Sequim City Band’s final concert of the 2022 “Concerts at the James” summer season – Saturday September 10th at 1:30PM. The band will be helping KSQM FM91.5 celebrate their Pet Lovers’ Day.
Posted 12 August 2022 / Retired 15 August 2022
Two Bands – An August Afternoon of Live Music
Movies, Musicals, and Marches
The Sequim City Band plans to induce earworms with its August “Movies, Musicals, and Marches” themed concert. To help with that endeavor the band is hosting Olympic Express Big Band for an early afternoon performance. Olympic Express will be playing tunes written for movies and Broadway musicals, such as “At Last” and “Let’s Dance”.
Sequim City Band will perform familiar songs from Tony-winning musicals such as Les Misérables & The King and I. Then the band will transport the audience to small-town life with “76 Trombones” (from The Music Man) & to the futuristic far-off reaches of space with musical selections from Star Trek. For the young at heart there will be selections from the 2021 computer-animated musical fantasy comedy Encanto, including the viral sensation “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”. Marches will include the vintage ragtime/Dixieland-style march – “Broadway One-Step” and John William’s “Midway March” from the WWII era movie Midway.
The Olympic Express Big Band will take the stage at 1:45 PM on Sunday August 14th at the James Center for the Performing Arts, an outdoor stage at the Water Reuse Site in north Carrie Blake Park. The Sequim City Band will present an hour-long concert starting at 3:00 PM. The concert and on-site parking are free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a wide-brimmed hat or umbrella for all of that Sequim sun, and spend the afternoon with earworm-worthy music by our very own community band – a tradition since 1992.
Save the date for Sequim City Band’s final concert of the 2022 “Concerts at the James” summer season – Saturday September 10th at 1:30PM. The band will be helping KSQM FM91.5 celebrate their Pet Lovers’ Day.
Posted 22 July 2022 / Retired 15 August 2022
“A Patriotic 4th of July Concert”
Sequim City Band presents its traditional “A Patriotic 4th of July Concert” as the kick-off event for the day’s activities. Several of your favorite melodies will soar through the airwaves: Morton Gould’s ‘American Salute’, Carmen Dragon’s beautiful arrangement of ‘America the Beautiful’, and a nod to small town Americana with selections from Meredith Wilson’s ‘Music Man’. As is the band’s tradition, past and current service personnel will be recognized with a medley of military service songs in ‘Armed Forces Salute’. Adding to the festivities, the band will bring back memories of high school with a compilation from ‘Grease!’. And – as always for the Independence Day Celebration – there will be some of your favorite patriotic marches by EE Bagley, Henry Filmore, and John Philip Sousa. Join our very own community band – a tradition since 1992.
The City of Sequim invites you continue the fun with additional live music offered from the James Center stage throughout the day. The celebration will culminate with the fireworks display at approximately 10:00 PM. For more information as we get closer to the event, check the City of Sequim’s website at: www.visitsunnysequim.com/calendar
The concert and on-site parking are free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a wide-brimmed hat or umbrella for all of that Sequim sun and a full day of music. Pack a picnic or enjoy a meal with one of the food vendors. The Lions Club will be hosting a beer and wine garden.
Posted 16 June 2022 / Retired 5 July 2022
Open Air Rehearsals
Weekly rehearsals of the Sequim City Band are now being held at the James Center for the Performing Arts (506 N Blake Ave). Rehearsals begin at 6:30PM.
- The James Center is located in north Carrie Blake Park. To reach the outdoor stage and the parking lot, use the Water Reuse Site entrance at N. Blake Ave and Fir St.
The band anticipates open air rehearsals through the week of August 8th. Rehearsal location for the September concert will be announced in mid-August.
To All Percussionists & Wind Instrument Musicians
Sequim City Band is always welcoming new members into the ensemble. Kindly contact the band via the contact tab or leave a message at 360-207-4722. Or look in on us during rehearsals.
- Vaccinations (including a booster) are highly recommended to attend or you may opt for a Covid-19 test provided you arrive by 6:00 PM. The band encourages masks when/if not playing a wind instrument and when musicians are within indoor rooms.
Posted 16 June 2022 / Revised 16 July 2022 / Retired 15 August 2022
“A Little Water Music”
2022 Concerts at the James – Concert #2
Are you looking for a concert of live music under sunny June skies? If so, then you should mark Sunday June 12th at 3 PM on your calendar. The Sequim City Band, will perform its second concert of their summer season at the James Center for the Performing Arts, an outdoor stage at the Water Reuse Site in north Carrie Blake Park.
The concert kicks off at 3PM with Encore! – a new, small ensemble of the Peninsula Singers – singing the national anthem. The band will then present a program centered around water. It starts with a medley featuring “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head”, “Come Rain or Come Shine”, and “Singin’ in the Rain”. The concert will celebrate water in other forms, whether it is frozen, flowing down a river, or providing the waves hitting the sandy beaches with a medley of Beach Boys songs. Accompanied by the band, vocalist Mark Johnson will sing “Moon River”, the classic song from Breakfast at Tiffany’s that became Andy Williams’ theme song.
The concert and on-site parking are free. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, wear a wide-brimmed hat or bring an umbrella to shield the Sequim sun, and spend the afternoon with our very own community band – a tradition since 1992.
Posted 3 June 2022 / Retired 13 June 2022
Rehearsing for the May 15th “Welcome Back!!” Concert
We’re Proud to Announce the Band is Back in Rehearsals!!
A Trumpet Trio will be featured in Bugler’s Holiday by Leroy Anderson at our kick-off concert of the 2022 “Concerts at the James” summer series.
Featuring: Terry Fogerson, Doug Brundage, and Jim Bradbury
A couple of teasers regarding the concert – the band will honor Steven Sondheim, who passed away last November after a decades-long Broadway career, with ‘Send in the Clowns’. Another musical legend, John Williams, will be recognized with a medley that includes songs from over 110 movie scores . . . . think ‘Theme from Jaws’, and ‘Imperial March’ and ‘Cantina Band’ from “Star Wars”.
If you love live music, enjoy these pieces and more at 3PM on May 15th at the James Center for the Performing Arts, as music director Tyler Benedict leads the band in its first concert of summer 2022.
To All Percussionists & Wind Instrument Musicians
Sequim City Band is always welcoming new members into the ensemble. Kindly contact the band via email (sequimcityband.org) or leave a message at 360-207-4722. Or check in on us during rehearsals:
- 7 PM each Wednesday at the Dungeness Valley Lutheran Church (925 N Sequim Ave, Sequim).
- Vaccinations (including a booster) are required to attend and the band encourages masks when/if not playing an instrument.
This is an exciting time to join the band as it prepares for a summer of music concerts for the public a tradition since 1992)
Posted 2 May 2022 / Retired 16 May 2022
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Sequim City Band
This year, once again, the Band was unable to provide a December concert with Christmas and Holiday music due to public safety restrictions during the pandemic. The specific reasons are that the Band is restrained in having adequate space in which to safely rehearse and the closure of the Sequim High School Auditorium for performances.
Save the date for our next scheduled concert – March 13th, 2022!
The Band is planning for a full 2022 summer season – Details will be posted in January.
Happy Holidays to All – May Christmas be filled with joy for you and your loved ones and may the New Year truly ring in better times for us all in 2022!
Farewell to Summer 2021 & Looking Forward
The Sequim City Band offers a big thank you to its steadfast audience. After 16 months of being unable to rehearse together and perform concerts for the public at our summer home, the James Center for the Performing Arts, the Band was able to rehearse on the outdoor stage from mid-July until our August 22nd concert. The lone concert of the 2021 summer was a rousing success. Not only did the musicians relish the opportunity to play together again but also, they enjoyed being able to reconnect with the sizeable audience that came out to listen on a pleasant summer afternoon.
The band welcomed new members to the band and honored our nation’s service personnel as the band does every summer. Amongst a varied program that was enjoyed by one-and-all, the band, with alto saxophone soloist Debbi Soderstrom, wished for a brighter future with “Over the Rainbow” from the movie The Wizard of Oz.
The band has been forced back into being unable to conduct weekly evening rehearsals in Swisher Hall, and is currently not rehearsing. Tentative plans have been made for an indoor concert on March 13th, 2022. However, this concert will only occur provided rehearsals can be held starting about 6 weeks prior to the performance. We ask that our audience bears with us while we navigate what will likely be a stuttering return of the activities we all enjoy. Notification that rehearsals have reconvened will be posted on the Sequim City Band’s homepage – so check back in early 2022!
In the meantime, if you have not already linked to YouTube from the band’s Facebook page, here are a few links that will take you to YouTube postings of music the band performed in concert during the past several years.
Festive Overture (March 1, 2020 concert; with Navy Band Northwest)
Happy Holiday/White Christmas (December 16, 2018 concert) –
The Symphonic Gershwin (August 21, 2016 concert) –
Frank Sinatra Tribute (June 12, 2016 Concert)
America the Beautiful (December 7, 2015; with Navy Band Northwest)
Music from the Wizard of Oz (May 18, 2014 concert; with Port Angeles High School Wind Ensemble)
Selections from the King and I (March 15, 2014 concert) –