Community Band looking to grow

The Crestwood Community Band doesn’t share many similarities with a typical band: Practices aren’t mandatory and they won’t be marching on a football field any time soon.

Some members play regularly and some haven’t picked up an instrument in decades, or perhaps ever. But that doesn’t matter. The Community Band is more about enjoying music than playing like a professional.

“If it’s any indication what kind of ‘band’ we are, I never played an instrument before and was only helping to organize the band,” organizer Stacey Gordon said. “They only had a few folks and no drummer and needed someone to keep time, so they gave me a cowbell to keep the beat.”

Gordon said the band was dreamed up by Sherrie Hafley as a low-commitment way to share music and friendship with others in the community who have played or want to play in a marching or concert band. Gordon and Hafley had played in a similar band in Atlanta and wanted to bring the concept to Birmingham. Since it started in January 2015, Gordon said the band has grown to about 15 steady members. There are no tryouts and no requirements other than to show up with an interest. 

Gordon said instruments include flute, piccolo, oboe, bassoon, saxophone, French horn, trombone, tuba, bass drum and snare drum. 

“Everyone is friendly, supportive and encouraging. Some are really talented musicians and some of us are just learning,” Gordon said. No one gets upset about a bad note or anyone that is struggling to learn a part. There’s no pressure.”

The Crestwood Community Band meets Mondays from 6:15-8 p.m. at the Community Education South Building, 1220 50th St. South. For more information, contact Stacey Gordon at sgordon23@gmail.com or 215-4107.