Band Festival Returns to Upper St. Clair

The 10th annual Three Rivers Community Band Festival in Upper St. Clair will bring together three of the best community bands in the western Pennsylvania region, plus an all-new festival band.

The festival is scheduled from 2:30 until 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at the Upper St. Clair Theater, located in Upper St. Clair High School. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated.

The Three Rivers Community Band Festival is a showcase of the musically-talented individuals in the region, and the concert promises a medley of music that will appeal to a wide range of musical tastes. 

Community Band South represents the South Hills communities. The brass, woodwind and percussion band, comprised of more than 80 members, is co-directed by Dean Streator, former teacher of instrumental music at Bethel Park High School, and James Bennett, retired director of bands and chairman of fine arts in the Upper St. Clair School District.

Since its premier concert on December 14, 1987 at Upper St. Clair High School, Community Band South has been entertaining audiences throughout the communities from which its membership is drawn, performing an average of 15 concerts each year.

Also participating is the East Winds Symphonic Band, founding band of the festival.

Joining the festival this year will be the Metropolitan Italian Symphonic Band from the West Hills area of Pittsburgh.

The fourth band will be the “ultimate community band,” made up of musicians from more than 50 community bands in Allegheny County and 10 other counties in the region. The 2013 Festival Band will perform selections under the baton of guest conductor Samuel R. Hazo, world-renowned Pittsburgh composer and music educator. Their performance will be the kickoff to a wonderful afternoon of music.

WQED-FM’s Jim Cunningham will return this year as the program host.

Festivalgoers are invited to enjoy free light refreshments after the concert as well as having an opportunity to meet and greet the musicians. For more information about the Three Rivers Community Band Festival, visit the web site at www.ewsb.org/festival.