Announcing Our Spring Concert on April 23 Boone United Methodist Church; 3 pm

The WCB looks forward to our annual Spring Concert. This year it will be held on April 23rd at the Boone United Methodist Church on New Market Boulevard.

We are excited to be playing the Watauga County premier of "Pressing Onward" a new and original composition by Dee Raby, former high school band director and current WCB band member and guest conductor.

In addition, our growing flute section will be featured on "Flutation", a piece by renowned composer Clare Grundman. The program will include a variety of other pieces, some quite challenging, and all very enjoyable.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Cello Provided to Student Instrument Donation Program

The latest addition to our student instrument program--a great student cello!

Thanks to Lisa Cooper for this most recent donation, and we're looking forward to this and our other instruments finding new 'music loving' homes.

If you know a deserving student who might not otherwise be able to obtain an instrument--or, if you have one to donate--email wataugacommunityband@gmail.com and lets help get a life-long love of music going and growing

History of the WCB

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 organizations throughout the High Country for all types of performances.

We are 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 entertaining those who know our 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 37th year now in 2023.

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

Making Music, Serving Our Community Come and Join Us!

We rehearse and perform year 'round:

Our band has grown substantially, with musicians of all ages -- from high school players to those well past retirement. We often have over 50 folks at our rehearsals and performances. Come and join us -- there are no try-outs! For App State and CCC&TI students, you can even take "Concert Band" as a for-credit course.

We now rehearse at first Baptist Church, on 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. Our esteemed director, Billy Ralph Winkler, leads the way during the fall and spring semesters.

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

Our "Warm Season" band plays parades, campgrounds, and a series of monthly 'Gazebo Concerts' at the Rotary Gazebo in Blowing Rock town park -- catch us there on the last Sunday of May, June, July, and August at 2 pm. You can't miss our "red shirt" summer band!

WCB Mourns Loss of President and Summer Conductor, Steve Frank

The Watauga Community Band (WCB) is deeply saddened by the unfortunate passing of our Band President and summer conductor, Steve Frank. As many fans of the WCB know, Steve was an invaluable presence at practices and performances. He arranged the many summer events, raised money, conducted the band, recruited new members, communicated about upcoming practices and events with members, chaired the board, played a mean sax when not conducting (and sometimes when conducting), served as emcee at concerts with a plethora of stories about the music, and even sang solos to select pieces with his warm tenor voice.

Among Steve’s many contributions to both the band and local community was his leadership in conceptualizing and helping with the design of the rebuilding of the Blowing Rock Park gazebo. Steve and others received donations from community organizations, businesses, and individuals. The band also contributed some of the memorial fund given to the band by Ray Walker, a dedicated trombone player and band member, to the project.

Steve is irreplaceable, so the WCB is trying to adapt – over a dozen band members are working to coordinate and fill his shoes as a team. The WCB will somehow keep playing, and we will always cherish our memories of and appreciation for Steve.

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? Send us an mail at: Wataugacommunity band@gmail.com

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