Frequently-Asked Questions

Here are some frequently-asked questions for your perusal. Please see our contact page if you cannot find what you are looking for here. Feel free to browse, or you can jump to a specific category from this list:

Membership

1. Do I have to be a member to play with the band?

   You can sit in with the band for a couple of rehearsals to check us out; after that you should consider becoming a member. Click here for more details.

2. What is the minimum age for membership?

   The band is made up of adults of all ages. Teenage students may sit in pending Director approval.

3. Is there a need for my specific instrument?

   The San Jose Metropolitan Band is always looking for qualified 'concert band' musicians. The instruments of the standard concert band are: Piccolo and Flute, Oboe, English Horn and Bassoon, Clarinet, Alto Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophone, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Baritone, Tuba, Timpani and Percussion.

4. How good do I have to be to play in the band?

   Placement is by audition. However, we encourage newcomers who may be easily intimidated by the audition to 'sit in' for a few rehearsals. This helps provide them an opportunity to get a feel for the degree of difficulty and their overall comfort level before auditioning.

5. When and where do you rehearse?

   We rehearse Mondays at Valley Christian High School.
   Click here for more information.

6. How much does it cost to be a member?

   Reasonable semi-annual dues are collected. Please click here for details.

7. How do you seat individuals within a section?

   The conductor assigns a 'section leader' who's responsible for the seating of a particular section. Some rotate parts throughout their section, some do not.

Performances

1. Where are you going to be performing in the near future?

   For the latest scoop, check out the Band's upcoming concert schedule.

2. How much does it cost to attend a performance?

   Most of our concerts are free and open to the public. Some may involve admission to the event we are playing for. Please see our concert schedule for specific performance pricing.

3. What type of music do you play?

   The Band performs music scored for a wind concert band, that includes brass, woodwinds and percussion. Most are arrangements of well-known tunes, including some that are transcriptions from symphonic selections. Genres include Big Band, Disney, Broadway, Hollywood, marches and classics.  For specifics, see our current season's repertoire.

Booking

1. Do you have any promotional information available?

   Yes!  The promotional package includes a band photo, backgrounder, and demo tape. Please contact the band's President, David Brown at dab-mail@sbcglobal.net to receive this package by mail. Or if you prefer, you can set up a time for a personal presentation.

2. What type of events would this type of band be appropriate for?

   Because of the band's varied repertoire, the band could fit in to quite a few venues. We can custom select pieces from the current season's repertoire, and may be able include one or two specially requested pieces given sufficient notice. Think of us for:

    

   • Art and Wine Festival
   • Company BBQ or Party
   • Holiday Event
   • Corporate Celebration
   • Store or Park Opening
   • Community Affair
   • Ceremony/Dedication
   • Event Kickoff

3. How much does it cost to have the band perform?

   In these cost conscious days, the SJMB is surprisingly reasonable. Average pricing usually ranges from $600 to $1200. Performance engagements usually run from 1 to 2 hours, and considering there are some 45 musicians, it is a bargain indeed. Note that all fees are negotiable, and other factors such as publicity, crowd, sound system, etc., may factor into the final contract price.

4. How do I go about booking the band?

   Glad you asked that!  All you'll need to do is contact  Ed Lacina at (408) 685-3567 with whom you can work out the performance specifics: date, time, duration, pricing, venue, etc.

Support

1. I don't play an instrument. Are there any other volunteer opportunities with the band?

   Sure.  We would always welcome enthusiastic people who would like to contribute their talents to our organization. Some of the areas where you might want to help out are in grant writing, promotions, graphic arts, writing articles, instrument storage, transportation, setup/takedown, etc. Or maybe there is some other area you could think of.  

2. Are contributions tax-deductible?

   Yes.  Click here for more information.

3. Do you accept corporate sponsorships?

   The Band would welcome the chance to be partnered with industry in promoting the arts. Click here to find our ways that your company can become involved.

4. Is there a "booster club" I can join?

   We do not have an official booster club at this time. But we are looking to start one. Please click here for more information on how you could get involved.

Miscellaneous Information

1. Who is the Musical Director?

   Mr. Gregory Bergantz.
   Click here for more information.