Ontario, CA (September 1, 2015) The Ontario/Chaffey Community Show Band (OCCSB) celebrates its 30th Anniversary with “Strike Up the Band” on Friday, September 25, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in the new band shell at Old Town Square in Ontario.  The exciting opening performance of this commemorative concert season is graciously sponsored by the Mercer Family.  Concert goers are invited to come early at 7:00 p.m. and enjoy complimentary Starbucks coffee and cookies and listen to the Woodwind Celebration Ensemble.  Some seating will be provided, however, be sure to get a better seat by bringing your portable lawn chairs.  Admission to the concert is FREE.

The concert will feature the outstanding musicians of the Show Band who will perform an outstanding repertoire, highlighted by the show’s theme song, Gershwin’s Strike Up the Band and two notable Sousa marches, “Hands Across the Sea” and “King Cotton.”  Also included in the program will be a collection of popular songs that celebrate the month of September; “See You In September,” “September in the Rain,” “September Song,” Earth Wind, and Fire’s “September,” and several well-known rock ‘n’ roll medleys and concert pieces.

The Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band was founded in 1985 by R. Jack Mercer and is now under the direction of Dr. Gabe Petrocelli and assistant director David Schaafsma.  Band members represent at least two dozen communities throughout Southern California.  Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7 to 9:00 p.m. in the Jack Mercer Band Room at Chaffey High School.  The band performs monthly concerts in the historic Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium as well as at other venues throughout the community.  All performances are free to the public.

Come join us!!!  Interested adult and student musicians are welcomed to become members of Show Band.  No auditions required!  Just attend any rehearsal, or for more information, contact Dr. Petrocelli at the email address listed below.

The “Friends of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band” is a registered charity under Internal Revenue Code Section 502(c)(3), EIN # 46-1422958.  Donations are welcomed.  Checks may be made out to:  Friends of the OCCSB, P.O. Box 1512, Ontario, CA 91762.

For more information:  go to http://www.showband.net  or
Contacts:  Director, Gabe Petrocelli  [email protected]
Phone:  909-226-5748