History

Brought to life in 1986, the Watauga Community Band has been a musical force in the High Country since its inception.

As it has matured, its mission has evolved into being a community resource, called upon by the community for all manner of performances.

We're a destination for musicians of all ages, some restoring their playing skills, others working to keep them up.

The band finds its mission in both serving those who play and those who know music would provide the right spark for their event.

Since 1986, the Watauga Community Band has been making music for the High Country, but with our first concert in early 1987, we're celebrating our 30th year through 2017.

So come join us--we have a great time making some great music!

Making Music, Serving Our Community

We rehearse and perform year 'round:

During the 'school year,' we now rehearse at first Baptist Church, at the edge of campus at King and College Streets. Our rehearsal space is near the Fellowship Hall with a direct entrance on the Turchin Center side.

We present more formal concerts in the fall and spring, consisting of traditional concert band arrangements of many styles, while we still play for community celebrations and events. Billy Ralph Winkler leads the way-and the band-during the fall and spring semesters. WCB as a concert band is available as a for credit course for ASU and CCC&TI students.

Summer music is pop pieces, marches, show music, patriotic works-all of it fun!

Our 'Warm Season' band, led by Steve Frank, plays parades, campgrounds, and a series of monthly 'Gazebo Concerts' at the Rotary Gazebo in Blowing Rock town park. You can't miss our 'red shirt' summer band!

Ray Walker's Gift Sparks Idea for Rotary Gazebo

Long-time WCB member Ray Walker died in late 2012, but left the band a monetary gift that will continue to give to the community for years to come.

The Watauga Community Band used a portion of Ray's gift as seed money, seeking to create a public outdoor performance space that Watauga County didn't have.

The Blowing Rock Rotary Club siezed upon the idea, and with their major contribution--and the help of Perry Yates at New River Building Supply, Kevin Troyer at 4 Forty-Four construction, and many others- Blowing Rock now has a new icon for the town, a music and gathering place in the park. And there, the music plays!

Need LIVE Music? Call or email!

We will be performing soon. Come see us at our next performance!