TAMIU Drums Up Interest in Municipal Band

f that old French horn or clarinet you played back in high school or college is now more of an ornament than an instrument, it’s time to get tooting again by joining the new Laredo Municipal Band.

Housed at Texas A&M International University, the band aims to bring together music enthusiasts of all levels and ages to perform in a city-wide band, said Dr. David García, TAMIU band director.

“We welcome anyone, from 9- to 90-years-old,” said Dr. García, “ We will play interesting and unique music, including paso dobles and marches, solos, unpublished band works as well as challenging standard band literature.”

Band participation is free and practice will be held at TAMIU, starting February 7, from 7 – 9 p.m. on the first Monday of every month. Band members must supply their own instruments and aside from rehearsals, practice at home, García said.

“This system is very common for how community bands work, across the nation and around the world,” he explained.

García said the idea for forming the Laredo Municipal Band arose from requests made by members of the community.

“We are excited to provide an opportunity to form an ensemble for the musicians in our community,” he said, “and we look forward to gathering monthly to do what we do best: make beautiful music.”

The first Laredo Municipal Band concert will be held Monday, May 16 at TAMIU’s Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, García said.

For more information or to join the band, please contact García at 326.2640, e-mail david.garcia@tamiu.edu or visit offices located in the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, room 116.

University office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The University will be closed for the holidays Dec. 24 – Jan. 2. Offices will resume their regular hours on Monday, Jan. 3.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu