Places Still Available in Danbury Music Centre Summer Bands Program

Danbury Music Centre has a few spaces left in Summer Bands, which starts Monday, July 6. Children and adults interested in participating are invited to register online at danburymusiccentre.org or to call in at 203-748-1716. Scholarships and payment plans are available to ensure that this beloved program is affordable to all. 


Since the 1950s, Danbury Music Centre has offered educational programming during the summer months. Many musicians who grew up in the greater Danbury area credit Danbury Music Centre summer programs with playing a crucial role in their development.
Paul Frucht, an award-winning composer based in New York City, grew up in Danbury and participated for many years in the Summer Bands. He says, “My first orchestral experience came alongside my first teacher, Albert Montecalvo, at the Danbury Music Centre. I cannot help but reflect on how integral that experience was every time I’m fortunate enough to sit in front of an orchestra that’s rehearsing a piece of my own. I remember being challenged in the summer of 2001 as an 11-year old percussionist playing alongside 15 and 16 year-olds in the DMC’s Summer Bands program and struggling to understand what a “march” is and how to hold crash cymbals. I remember that moment being one that motivated me to the best possible musician I could. I played in the summer program annually from 2001-2007 and my experiences there shaped many aspects of my musical persona that appear in the music I write today.”
Carrie Pin, owner of MacDonald-Pin Dancers, is mother to two musicians who participated in the Summer Bands program for several years. “The Danbury Music Centre summer program is perfect for all ages and abilities because it offers several levels of band participation and is directed by professional musicians who have demonstrated, for years, their love of teaching and their desire to foster an atmosphere that is both accepting and motivational for all musicians,” she says. 


Albert Montecalvo, Director of Summer Bands since 2001, retired from the Carmel School District in 1998 where he was director of the middle and high school bands as well as K-12 Director of Music. He has been the conductor of Broadway shows at Ridgefield High School since 2002, and he is the conductor of the Western Connecticut Youth Wind Ensemble based in Ridgefield, CT. Mr. Montecalvo says, “We hope that as you are considering a music program this summer, you will give us a try. We think you will enjoy it!”


As part of Danbury Music Centre’s Summer Festival 2015, Summer Bands will be offered as a full-day or half-day program, Monday through Friday, July 6-17 at Broadview Middle School. Musicians grade 3 to adult are invited to select the appropriate level – or multiple levels – of ensemble to participate in. Historically, many advanced musicians have opted to spend part of the day in the advanced Jazz Band and Symphonic Band, playing their primary instrument, then stay for the Preparatory Band and Concert Band, where they learn a new instrument or two. This year, for the first time, Danbury Music Centre will offer additional, supplementary classes and activities for more beginner-level students who would like a full day of programming. These classes will allow students to sample music classes such as Afrikan drumming and music theory, as well as activities which teach skills applicable to music – such a basic introduction to martial arts that emphasizes focus and discipline.


Tuition for this two-week program is $225.

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Submitted by Bethel, CT

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