Redefining the American Concert Band Experience
Nick Caldwell, Music Director
Southwest Portland Community Band concerts are celebrations of music, food, family, and friends. True to our Portland roots, we've even got our very own brewmaster.
The band rehearses at Ida B. Wells High School in the Hillsdale neighborhood of Southwest Portland. Concert proceeds benefit the Ida B. Wells High School Band Program.
In the News
SW Portland Community Band Purchases New Chimes for Wells High School
“Even though concerts are free to attend, they have taken in enough donations over the past few years to buy new equipment and upgrades for the high school music program. By 2020 they had brought in enough money to cover the cost of acoustic shells for the Wells auditorium, a performance venue with notoriously challenging acoustics.
The most recent purchase from the band's concert proceeds is a set of Yamaha 1.5 octave chimes, costing "a cool $6800 dollars," according to Caldwell. He added, " I think the old ones came new with the building in 1957." See the story published in the Hillsdale News November 22, 2024.
Something for Everyone
“Today the band includes former high school and college players, and former music educators, as well as students and families. “We’re also the only band with our own brewmaster,” says Caldwell.” See the story published in Hillsdale News, May 17, 2022.
A band for - and of - all ages
“You’re never too old to renew the love of playing.” See the story from the Southwest Community Connection, May 2019.
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"Many hadn't played since high school or college, horns stored away for 20 or 30 years. Seeing them when they play that first note…their eyes light up and they say, 'Oh my God, I remember that' as the music comes back...it's just awesome."
– Nick Caldwell, Music Director
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"Open to ages 14 and up, no auditions necessary, the band's main goal is to help people keep music in their lives."
-Kristin Rencher, Executive Director