I know this is a day late, but just wanted to say that I have heard the band play and they are very talented musicians, very polite, visited with the public before and after the concert. It is always a pleasure to listen to their great concerts
I have been a member of the Olathe Civic Band for 18 years. I'm also on the board because I want to contribute back to the organization that has provided so much enjoyment and fulfillment for me. This group provides a positive, meaningful experience not only for the audience members, but also for the musicians. The Band is a cornerstone for art and culture in this community, playing for many civic events throughout the summer and fall. Their subsidiary group, the Olathe Civic Jazz Band, also contributes greatly to the community by playing in venues where the larger concert band may be difficult and by playing all year long. All members are volunteers and play for the sheer love of making music. We all share a special comrodery. My life would be incomplete without this wonderful group of people and the great audiences who come and hear us play.
The wife and I attended civic bands in the Seattle area and you would think they would have plenty of talent to draw from. We both agree that the OCB is far better and the approach to their activities is well thought out and much appreciated. The members show that they truly enjoy their participation and display their talents well. We look forward to the 2010 sessions.
I had the opportunity to see this amazing band during the Christmas holiday season! They do a wonderful thing for the veterans and their families! They are very professional and super friendly. If your ever in the Olathe or Kansas City area I highly suggest you check them out.
I have performed with this band since 2004. I believe it is the best band in Kansas. We play a nice variety, marches, show tunes, and classical. We play several concerts a year, all free, including a children's concert and a concert at a retirement home. Especially touching is our Memorial Day concert, where veterans stand for their service anthem.
I have performed with the band for the last 15 years and it has been a wonderful experience. The band has provided an outlet for musicians of various ages to perform quality music, keep up their playing abilities and further their enjoyment that music brings to their lives.
As others have commented, the Olathe Civic Band provides wonderful music at a variety of public venues and for underserved audiences around the community. Equally important is that the Band also represents a valuable musical outlet for its members. I am a strong advocate on behalf of opportunities for people to have direct hands-on experiences that deepen their connection to the arts, and enrich their lives in ways that attendance alone at performances or exhibitions cannot achieve. The Olathe Civic Band is an outstanding example of this principle. It is an inter-generational group of musicians, and we all embrace the same goal – to make good music together and share it with our community. No auditions are held, and consequently this experience is open to all. The Band’s strong music quality becomes self-fulfilling as it encourages each of us, individually and collectively, to work hard and learn during rehearsal, and perform at our best. This, and the intrinsic satisfaction that accompanies it, are the very essence of public participation in the arts.
My wife and I are huge fans of musical performance. We love going to the local performances of shows, orchestras, or bands. We found the Olathe Civic Band by searching an events list and seeing them performing that same night! They were a very well directed, talented, and diverse group. That was two years ago, and ever since my wife and I have taken active roles in the band. They are extremely welcoming, and continue to impress beyond expectations. If you get the opportunity to see them, please take advantage of it. You will not be disappointed.
We have been going to the OCB concerts for more years than I can remember--at least 11 or 12 for sure. It is a wonderful group and you can tell the members really enjoy what they are doing--they must since they do not get paid. We love the Christmas concert and all the other concerts and also really enjoy the Jazz Band. One thing we would like is if they could get more support so they could have more concerts.
I was invited by a friend of mine to attend an Olathe Civic Band concert who was performing a Christmas Program. I had no idea of what to expect as it had been a long time since I had been to a band concert. I invited my mother and we were both so very pleasantly surprised! One minute I was laughing at the band's light-hearted comedy and the next minute I was in tears because the music was just so beautiful. The Olathe Civic Band is a very talented organization. We enjoyed that concert so much and I now have a new-founded appreciation for band music. It opened my eyes to one of the many aspects of culture that this area has to offer. Thank you, Valarie Ellis
I've been a band member for 8 years. The concerts are entertaining for the entire family and are fun to participate in. The friends I've made because of the Civic Band has been priceless as well.
I have been a member of the band for two years. It is so much fun. The music is challenging, but fun. Ed Colson is such a wonderful director. He and the rest of the members make it such a fun experience.
I have been playing with the Olathe Civic Band now for about 6 years or so and have enjoyed it immensely. Because of the instrument I play, not many venues come open for me to use it so I was excited when I discovered the OCB. And the musicians that I play with are top notch so it is truly a joy to perform with them. I can't say enough good things about the band and what an opportunity they have opened up to me to play my instrument!
I have attended OCB concerts for several years now. From concerts at the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farmstead to Veteran's Day concerts and holiday concerts. The music is enjoyable and the group carries on a rich tradition.
I started playing with the Olathe Civic Band about eight years ago, after hearing several of their concerts. They sounded great, and after Ed Colson told the crowd that anyone could join the band at any time and that there were no auditions, I was in! Not only is the band filled with good musicians, it is filled with people that are nice and fun to be around. The crowds seem to like our playing, and it's nice to be playing again. Plus, in addition to joining this group, it's allowed me the opportunity to join and play in other concert and symphonic type bands in the Greater KC metro area. I don't know what my life would be like without playing in a group such as the Olathe Civic Band, but I imagine it wouldn't be as fun.
I just started playing with OCS this past summer (2009) after I hadn't played since college (2006). Despite my lack of recent practicing, the music was certainly fun to play and it was nice to get out in the community.
I played in the band for the first time this past summer and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I found the music to be challenging and made me a better player. I also love seeing the community come to our concerts because they want to hear some good music.
I am the spouse of a member of the Olathe Civic Band and Jazz Band - and I have been enjoying their performances and concerts for many years. And the best thing is that they just get better and better! This is a group of dedicated musicians who value music and the enjoyment it brings enough to give of their time to bring it to our citizens. Watching this diverse group (ages, professions, ability, experience) is such a positive experience. Our friends who don't play regularly join us for concerts - and bring their children, grandchildren and friends.
The Olathe Civic Band has provided me with the opportunity to continue with my love of music and performing. I view the rehearsals and performances as means to leave the humdrum of life for a couple of hours and share the gift of music with fellow musicians and the listening audience.
I am a new member of the OCB and have found it to be a great challenge; but at the same time have learned to appreciate what it takes to make a "big band" sound come together. Everyone is there for the same reason; the OCB provides a venue for all of us to play a wide variety of music to a wide listening audience; from veterans to children to senior citizens.
I have had a great experience playing in the band with my daughter. Not only have I had the opportunity to play and perform with a wonderful group of musicians, but I have also formed many strong friendships that will last me throughout my lifetime.
My love for Music and performance has been filled by playing in the band since 1989. I played in the Jazz Band in college. In 1977 I had a stroke and did not play again until 1989. I would say that many people have been touched by the Band. People willingly donate their talent € time each week to practices and performances
I have been playing in the Olathe Civic Band for several years. I started with Trombone, moved on to Flute and am now playing Bassoon. For the last two years, my wife has also joined (she plays clarinet). The experience has enriched our lives and we are so grateful to live in a community where we have this opportunity.
After I graduated from college, there seemed to be no venue for playing my piccolo and flute outside of church service. Then I found the Olathe Civic Band. This wonderful organisation is open to ALL musicians, from high school players to senior citizens. It provides a band experience identical to what we were used to while in school. It also provides fellowship, friendship, and fun to the members--the only payment the musicians receive. But not only is the Band there for musicians, it's there for the community--for people who can't play but enjoy listening. Throughout the summer, the OCB offers free concerts. Most are outside, where families are welcome to bring food and let the kids dance as we play. Some are at various nursing homes, for the seniors who are shut-ins. A couple are at city events. All of the concerts are free. If the Olathe Civic Band were to disappear, not only would my life gain an empty hole, but I believe so would many others' from the entire community. The OCB fills a need, a need that unfortunately is often overlooked when budget cuts are discussed.
The Olathe Civic Band is a great organization that provides music in many different venues in our community. It is also an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and share their love of music. As a younger member I keep coming back because of the valuable learning experience from seasoned musicians as well as the joy of making music for others in the community.