The band is performing at the Atascadero Lake Park from June 13 through August 15

ATASCADERO — Marina Bernheimer, executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, was recently presented with a check for $937. The contribution from Atascadero Community Band was a result of generous audience donations collected during the community band’s “Have Music, Will Travel” concert held in the sanctuary of the Atascadero Bible Church on May 7.

Joyce Rabellino, current president of the Atascadero Community Band, shared the importance the group places on its mission of helping fellow nonprofits in the local community. 

“The Atascadero Community Band is proud of its commitment to support other nonprofit organizations in our county,” she said. “Over the past 20 years, we have donated over $26,000 to local nonprofits, focusing on those that support music or music education, as well as those that support our local communities. We are thrilled to be able to donate to CASA, supporting their important advocacy for children in the court system.”

The band has an exciting, music-filled summer planned as they return to their summer “home,” performing in the Centennial Bandstand at the Atascadero Lake Park at 7 p.m. each Tuesday evening from June 13 through Aug. 15. The summer concerts serve two primary functions: They are the major fundraising for the band’s annual budget in order to operate, and they encourage local music students to join the band in a casual, fun and supportive environment. 

Music lovers should plan to bring chairs, blankets, picnics, and beverages, and enjoy free concerts during the gorgeous summer evenings in Atascadero. As a special bonus to round out their summer concert season, the Atascadero Community Band invites the public to its free “Ensembles” concert on Aug. 22, as various small groups within the band take the stage.

“These concerts are often the first time student musicians have a chance to play with an ‘adult’ band,” Rabellino explains, “and it gives them the advantage of mentoring by more seasoned musicians, along with plenty of sight-reading practice. Additionally, the donations received through our summer ‘bucket brigade’ comprise the entirety of our annual band budget. This year, we’re excited to play our annual Patriotic Concert right on July 4, anchoring a musical afternoon presented by the Atascadero Printery Foundation. All are welcome for these fabulous small-town free community concerts.”

The Atascadero Community Band is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization. The band warmly encourages all those interested area-musicians who might just have an instrument hiding in their closet, along with a passion for performing within a group, to contact them for information on rehearsals and details on joining the band. 

See the band’s website at atascaderoband.org, or email  atascaderoband@gmail.com for more details.

Feature Image:

Marina Bernheimer, executive director of Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, holds up a big check signifying the $937 donated to the nonprofit by the Atascadero Community Band. Contributed Photo