Jim Bradner
Home | About OCB | Directors | Join OCB | Sample Program | Concert Hall | Links | Contribute | Contact OCB | OCB Band Camp
The year was 1997, and the clarinet I’d played from junior high through college had only recently seen the light of day for the first time in nearly 20 years. Graduate school, my ambition to become a licensed professional engineer, and the exigencies of raising a daughter had taken their toll. However, during that long hiatus I never stopped thinking of myself as a musician. It was my daughter’s desire to join her middle school’s band that got me playing again. I dusted off my instrument and musical skills, and became her first private teacher.
Several months later, I volunteered for the annual Orange County Public Schools Teach-In, and serendipity intervened. The middle school band rehearsed between the two honors algebra classes I’d agreed to lecture, and I asked my daughter’s band director if I could sit in. She was skeptical, but agreed if I would “practice the music beforehand.” After hearing me play, she suggested I try out for the adult concert band that met in her band room Thursday evenings—the Orlando Concert Band.
As they say, the rest is history. Probably the strongest memory of my first rehearsal is being greeted by my dear friend Heidi, who “adopted” me as her stand partner and made me feel truly welcome. Immediately and totally captivated, I’ve been an enthusiastic participant for the past 12 years, even after moving 100+ miles from Orlando following my retirement in June 2009.
I’ve formed close bonds and permanent friendships with many present and former band members, and spent hundreds of hours practicing and performing a wide variety of the world’s best music. In my opinion. this is what makes our all-volunteer organization, which meets only two hours a week, such an outstanding musical ensemble. Talent helps, of course, and we attract the most talented wind and percussion instrument players in the area. But I believe cohesiveness and personal satisfaction are the catalysts that make our performances so enjoyable and exciting.
So make yourself a part of the experience and enjoy the concert. I guarantee your time will be well spent!
Several months later, I volunteered for the annual Orange County Public Schools Teach-In, and serendipity intervened. The middle school band rehearsed between the two honors algebra classes I’d agreed to lecture, and I asked my daughter’s band director if I could sit in. She was skeptical, but agreed if I would “practice the music beforehand.” After hearing me play, she suggested I try out for the adult concert band that met in her band room Thursday evenings—the Orlando Concert Band.
As they say, the rest is history. Probably the strongest memory of my first rehearsal is being greeted by my dear friend Heidi, who “adopted” me as her stand partner and made me feel truly welcome. Immediately and totally captivated, I’ve been an enthusiastic participant for the past 12 years, even after moving 100+ miles from Orlando following my retirement in June 2009.
I’ve formed close bonds and permanent friendships with many present and former band members, and spent hundreds of hours practicing and performing a wide variety of the world’s best music. In my opinion. this is what makes our all-volunteer organization, which meets only two hours a week, such an outstanding musical ensemble. Talent helps, of course, and we attract the most talented wind and percussion instrument players in the area. But I believe cohesiveness and personal satisfaction are the catalysts that make our performances so enjoyable and exciting.
So make yourself a part of the experience and enjoy the concert. I guarantee your time will be well spent!