Director/Founder: Marvin Marker Assitant Director: Philip Nakagawa Mace Drum Major: Ian Wright Majorette: Lindsey Birkman Drum Instructor: Lonny D. The band is of course compiled of dedicated individuals between the ages of 12-21. They are instrumentalists, Pageantry Corps members, and Syncopated Drummers.
Band Council Members Include President: Ian Wright Secretary: Jennifer Lara Treasurer: Michael Draper Members At Large: Mariah Hiraga Pageantry Representative: Haley Fike
Influences
John Philip Sousa and Marvin Markers 50+ years of tradition
Sounds Like
We are a Powerfull band. When you are at a parade route or show you can hear us. We are nothing like your typical high school band who march very fast down the street and play concert like. We take our time down the street because we want you to see us and we love being there. We are a small group that sounds like a huge band. We are very powerful. You can literally hear our Syncopated Drummers miles away.
was organized in 1952 by Marvin Marker, its present director who was a trumpeter in the Long Beach Wilson High Band and Orchestra He wanted a small concert group that would rehearse weekly during the summer months. The band became an overnight success building to over 100 members who wanted to march parades. Dressed in multi-colored Hawaiian shirts, the Band began marching in local parades, winning awards and building more membership.
It took 4 years to raise enough money for decent uniforms. When they arrived in 1956, the band membership had fallen to about 50 musicians. Over the next few years the membership tripled and auxiliary units were added. Trips to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Portland, Oregon's Rose Festival and the 1957 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade kept interest high and fund raising brought in more uniforms. By the early 60's there were 156 uniformed musicians and 47 uniformed auxiliary members, including banners, shields, flags, swing flags, and majorettes.
The band continued to prosper throughout the 70's and 80's, with a gradual decline in membership and attention to discipline fell in favor of other interests. Today the band is about 50 members total but those who support the organization have loyalty and a desire to do their best. The band continues to win many Sweepstakes and 1st place awards.
The band is a nonprofit, California Corporation and a designated charity under Section 501-C-(3) of the Code. It is supported greatly by the City of Long Beach and acts as the Official Host Band for the city. 55-65 uniformed appearances annually highlight the bands itinerary with at least 100 rehearsals throughout the year.
dang the band is sooo small in the video ariana posted below me....but good job flags at staying together (mostly) and for keeping formation! :) miss you all!
Happy Thanksgiving Long Beach Junior Concert Band,
We enjoy your musical selections. Wish that some of our better students could make it up to Long Beach for your rehearsals, but sadly, it is a bit too far. Continued success in your wonderful efforts, which bring such joy and happiness to the young people of Long Beach.
