Support the Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band
OUR MISSION:
We are a nondiscriminatory, all volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing community musical education and entertainment and to promote music at no charge as party of the community arts culture.
OUR HISTORY:
The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band was established in March 1990, then known as “Mid- Florida Symphonic Band.” Members rehearsed at the Methodist Church in Ocala and performed at various locations throughout Marion County. In 1992, under the direction of Bill Wetherington, a non-monetary partnership with Community Technical & Adult Education (now Marion Technical College) was formed. The band adopted the name “Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band,” the name generally used to refer to the Marion County area, and rehearsals were at Forest High School (now Marion Technical Institute) then moved to Howard Middle School.
WHO WE ARE:
The Kingdom of the Sun Concert Band is an all-volunteer organization that includes skilled musical instrumentalists of all ages, is supported by volunteers, and is managed by a Board of Directors. We are a performing ensemble consisting of woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists, along with a double (upright) bass and, on occasion, piano, synthesizer or electric guitar. We mentor the student players by teaching them instrumentally and organizationally so that they can be leaders in the arts community. We have members of all ages; our youngest is 13 and our most senior member is 94. We come from all walks of life: students, teachers (past & present), music educators, retirees, military veterans, airline pilots, medical professionals, a golf professional, former air traffic supervisor, IT professionals, engineers, accounting professionals, and more. Aimed to entertain audiences of all ages and backgrounds, the band’s repertoire offers a wide variety of music, including marches, big band medleys, classical, popular music, show tunes and patriotic tributes.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
We have a scholarship program for students completing high school and who have been active band members in our organization for at least 2 years.
For additional information about the band, schedules, pictures, and more, please access our website at https://www.kingdomofthesunband.org.