If you’ve ever wandered through a Nevada County park on a summer evening and heard the joyous sounds of brass, woodwinds, and percussion, chances are you were lucky enough to catch the Nevada County Concert Band in action. This wonderful ensemble is not just about music — it’s a living piece of local history and community spirit.

Humble Beginnings

The Nevada County Concert Band is a direct descendant of the many vibrant local concert bands that once filled the air throughout our towns in the 1900s. Back then, almost every town here had its own band playing for socials, county fairs, patriotic celebrations, and those classic Sunday afternoon concerts that brought neighbors together. Local pride was a big motivator, sure — but let’s be honest, the long distances and tricky travel between towns meant each community needed its own musical crew. These bands often competed, entertained, and provided a vital social outlet for locals whose hands were roughened from mining and hard labor. Brass bands with percussion instruments were just the right fit.

Fast forward to the 1920s, when Harold J. George, a renowned cornet player and musical director, helped consolidate many of those smaller groups into the Grass Valley Concert Band. Then in the early 1970s, a small group of musicians came together with a plan to revive those pioneer traditions — initially hoping to form a smaller “Germany Band.” From five eager players, the group blossomed into today’s full-sized concert band, now boasting around 80 talented volunteer musicians.

Rehearsals started in 1971 at the Seven Hills School gym with their first conductor, George Peavy — whose family history is a neat local tidbit, as his father invented the logging tool known as the “Peavy.” In 1972, the band reorganized into its current form and was officially designated the Official Concert Band of Nevada City by the board of supervisors. Notable early members include entrepreneur Keith Cantrell and Harold J. George himself, whose son, Harold T. George, played clarinet in the band until retiring in 2008.

Over the years, the band was part of the Sierra Musical Arts Association (SMAA), along with the Sierra Community Symphony and Sierra Youth Orchestra. Today, the Nevada County Concert Band stands proudly as its own nonprofit, continuing to provide free concerts that enrich our community’s cultural fabric. In fact, the band was recognized with the “2009 Live Music Award” from the Nevada City Chamber of Commerce, celebrating the social and musical benefits it brings to the area.

A Band For All

What’s truly inspiring about this band is its openness. No auditions. No fees. No age limits. All that’s asked is for musicians to bring their skills up to par with their fellow players. This welcoming spirit means you’ll find a wonderful mix of folks who have picked up their instruments after decades off, alongside passionate students eager to learn from the “old salts.”

Rehearsals run Monday evenings with warmups at 6:00 pm, followed by practice from 6:30 to 8:45. From February through May, they meet at Union Hill Elementary in Grass Valley, and during the summer months and Memorial Day holiday, rehearsals move outdoors to the Pioneer Park band shell in Nevada City.

Ken Carter, former NU band director, playing french horn at this years July 4th pre-parade concert with the NCCB

Upcoming Performances

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the vibrant sounds of the Nevada County Concert Band, there’s never been a better time to experience the magic of live, community-driven music. Their welcoming spirit, rich history, and dedication to keeping our local traditions alive make every concert a celebration — not just of music, but of the heart and soul of Nevada County. So mark your calendars, bring your family and friends, and support this incredible group that plays not only for the joy of music but for the joy of our community. And if you play an instrument, don’t hesitate to reach out — the band is always ready to welcome new members into their musical family.