When the Dunedin Concert Band started receiving many more performer inquiries than it had seats available, something had to be done. So the DMS launched the Pinellas Community Players with Derek Currier, an expert in helping new, beginner and returning instrumentalists play again.

And what an absolute delight it has been seeing this group change over the years; at one point, there was even a reluctant retiree, Stephen, who had not played his violin in 55 years! And Karen brought her own joy of being able to pick up the saxophone again after years of silence, having been told once by a music teacher that she “shouldn’t play”. With the DMS, and her family encouraging her to play, Karen looks forward to weekly rehearsals and regular performances.

Now under the leadership of Austin Shook and his support team (Performer Relations – Patricia; Library – Marianne), the ensemble continues to grow and tackle more intermediate repertoire with a more balanced ensemble. Advanced and even Expert performers from the DCB also play in this group, because they love helping and encouraging others like Stephen and Karen.

However, Nicole’s experience was a little different – as a new adult cello player, she felt out of place in an ensemble of mostly wind and brass players. Strings have special needs not often addressed in a band environment. So when we launched the “DMS Winter Strings” this past holiday season, both Stephen and Nicole were thrilled!

That meant that the PCP could now focus on its primary participants – wind, brass and percussion players of beginner, proficient, advanced and returning levels.

So we changed the name of the group to reflect its true identity!

Now, the Pinellas Community Players is known as the Pinellas Community Band, and is already booking guest appearances around Pinellas County at traditional and familiar venues, as well as residential developments and parks.

If you play, or once played, a wind, brass or percussion instrument, consider registering for the PCB’s upcoming concert series. Register here.

Pinellas County and its neighbors are truly blessed to have SO MANY live music opportunities available for performers.

With over 18 bands, 12 community choirs and at least 6 orchestras in the region, there is something for everyone.

Or is there?

It turns out that the current focus of most adult community music orchestras in Pinellas County is to perform traditional orchestral music, which can actually be quite difficult.

It’s great stuff, and a meaty challenge for performers who are up for it and whose fingers still move that quickly!

But what about performers whose abilities haven’t been kept fresh over the years?

Or who never really got the practice time more serious students dedicated themselves to?

Or who only just began learning to play?

What happened to just having fun as opposed to really hard work?

The Dunedin Music Society has recognized this gap and provided beginner and returner adult performers with opportunities to play in groups like the Pinellas Community Players. Indeed, this has become an established community-focused ensemble while the Dunedin Concert Band continues to explore advanced repertoire in its venue-based performances.

But what about string players?

What is available for them?

The Suncoast Symphony and the Tampa Bay Symphony are both established classical music ensembles that get bows scraping to big repertoire, and until recently, the Pinellas Park Civic Orchestra was the only viable option for string players who want to play lighter pops and easier arrangements of familiar tunes outside the PPCO’s Summer Strings program.

But now that the PPCO’s regular season focus has shifted also, where do the intermediate and beginner adult string players go to connect with live music during the winter months?

The DMS, of course!

Because the DMS avoids duplicating what is already available, we want to see who’s actually interested in something less challenging. So we’re hosting a one-time get-together for string players:

At the end of this year, an ensemble called the “DMS Winter Strings” will present two performances of a family-friendly holiday concert in North and Central Pinellas County.

It’s ideal for performers struggling or too busy or too new to keep up with the big repertoire, using what the publishers call “Medium” and “Medium-Easy” sheet music.

Just four fun rehearsals and two performances, all on Thursday evenings, is the only commitment we ask.

Get details here and REGISTER TODAY as space will be limited.

Conducted by our very own Maestro Stephen P Brown, the DMS Winter Strings is a wonderful opportunity, and fills a much desired need for simpler music played really well.

REGISTER NOW!

Please note: all DMS activities resume regular schedules beginning Saturday, October 1st.

We trust you remain safe and your property unscathed. If, however, you do have needs please reach out to us and we’ll do our best to connect you with those who can help.

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Due to Hurricane Ian, the following events have been cancelled:

Tue, Sep 27 – 7pm, Dunedin Concert Band rehearsal

Thu, Sep 29 – 6pm, Pinellas Community Clarinet Choir

Thu, Sep 29 – 7:30pm, Pinellas Community Players