From left, David Price, director of music and special events at Tusculum College, and Mike May, director of the Community Band, will be working together out of shared space on the college campus. (Credit: Tusculum College)
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. - Tusculum College's new band program and the Community Band have finalized an agreement that will be mutually beneficial to both groups and provide multiple opportunities for the two directors, as well as members of each group, to collaborate.
"Beginning in September (2010), we will begin having our rehearsals in the Tusculum College Band room at Annie Hogan Byrd," said Mike May, director of the Community Band.
"We expect the location will work well for our group, as we have arranged to be able to leave our equipment, stands and other rehearsal items in the room, rather than having to pack them up and move them out each night after practice," he added.
According to David Price, director of music and special events at the college, this works well for Tusculum's new band program, as May is allowing the students to utilize the music stands and some of the equipment for their purposes as well.
In addition, said Price, there will be encouragement for the members of the two groups to play together whenever possible.
"We are a community group that is open to anyone who is interested in participating. You just have to have a love of music and some proficiency playing," said May. "We would love to have Tusculum's band students join us as well."
Members of the Community Band will also be encouraged to play with the Tusculum Band if they have an interest, particularly at football games and other special events.
"The goal of both organizations is to promote the love and enjoyment of music," said Price. "This is a natural partnership because we are both striving for the same outcomes."
Tusculum College began their band program in the spring semester of 2009-2010, when the Pioneer Pep Band was started, and it is hoped the program will eventually grow to include a concert band, jazz band, small ensemble groups and a marching band.
The initiative is part of an overall effort to enhance the College's fine arts programs.
