Madison Community Band gives music for Christmas gift

MADISON – Madison Community Band invites residents to open the gift of Christmas music at three seasonal concerts in November and December.

This year’s concert program features cherished Christmas songs and carols, with some in surprising and amusing settings.

“We have a merry mix of songs and styles to stir the Christmas spirit,” MCB announcer Bryan Cobb said. “You’ll experience the first noel in the style of Pachelbel and angelic choirs piercing a silent night.”

“You’ll adorn a tree with sparkling lights and dance an enchanted ballet. You’ll hear songs from other lands on a sleigh ride through Appalachia,” Cobb said. “Kids (and former kids) will have a Christmas encounter of the pachyderm kind and a musical visit from the jolly old elf himself.”

Opening their holiday concerts, MCB performed on Nov. 10 at “Host of Christmas Past” in Fayetteville, Tenn. “This was the band’s 22nd Christmas appearance at the gazebo on the courthouse square,” Cobb said.

“We love playing for the Host of Christmas Past. For the evening Candlelight Walking Tour on Mulberry and Washington streets, (visitors) heard Christmas music in the air from some of our brass and wind ensembles,” he said.

The band’s annual Community Christmas Concert will be presented on Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 2113 Old Monrovia Road. This year marks the twelfth Christmas concert at this venue.

“Grace hosts our rehearsals, community Christmas concerts and spring concerts. While this concert is open to the public, we hope the church knows it’s also our Christmas gift to them,” Cobb said.

MCB’s last concert of 2018 will be held on Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. at Bridge Street Town Centre. Since 2014, MCB has performed summer concerts at Bridge Street.

“There’s nothing like watching people take time out of a busy day to sit for a spell and enjoy the music,” Cobb said. “Somehow Santa Claus seems to know when we’re at Bridge Street and shows up to take the baton for a Yuletide conducting gig.”

In 1993, MCB formed with 15 members. Twenty-six seasons later, 70-plus members play at parks, patriotic events and festivals throughout the Tennessee Valley.

Students, retirees and people from all backgrounds comprise the band. These volunteer musicians are united in the love of playing and sharing their music with the community.

For more information, visit m-c-b.org or Facebook/Madison Community Band.