About
505 COMMUNITY BAND HISTORY
In Jan. 2016, the idea began within the Board of Directors of the Albuquerque Concert Band (ACB) of forming a new band to address several concerns. These concerns included long waitlists for musicians to join the ACB; musicians needing opportunities to rehearse while waiting to join; and a place where musicians of all skill levels could learn and grow with their primary or a new instrument at a comfortable or recreational pace.
In Jan. 2017, the Albuquerque Concert Band Recreational Band was created, with Desiree Jones (ACB Publicity Chair and member of both bands) serving as Liaison between the two bands, and Rebecca Pickett serving as the new band's conductor.
The first rehearsal for the Albuquerque Concert Band - Recreational Band was Feb. 17 2017 with around 24 members in that inaugural session. Note: The 2024 photo shown includes original Members still with the Band, celebrating its 7th year!
In April of 2019, we separated from our parent band and officially became 505 Community Band, later obtaining our 501(c)(3) non-profit status.
We extend our most sincere gratitude to the Founders of the ACB Recreational Band for their foresight and dedication to see this through to that first rehearsal!
Albuquerque Concert Band Board of Directors:
Tom Schripsema - President
Jori Smith - Vice President
Jessica Todd - Secretary
Maurine Wright - Librarian
Desiree Jones* - Publicity
Manny Mandel* - Member-at-Large
Diantha Swoboda - Personnel Manager
Bill Nordin - Treasurer
* current member of 505 Community Band!
505 COMMUNITY BAND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Board of Directors work to establish policies and objectives; fundraise and ensure the availability of adequate financial resources; purchase music and organize our music library; publicize our concerts and keep written record of all we do!
President - Charles Olivarez
Vice President - Dan Gerry
Treasurer - Chuck Atwood
Librarian - Jim Patrick
Secretary - Desiree Jones
Publicity Chair & Webmaster - Lindsay Dent