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Critical Need: Concert Band Percussionists
About the Maplewood Concert Band
Who we are...
The Maplewood Concert Band (MCB) carries on the proud tradition of the all-volunteer American community band.
Our members range from high school students to retirees. Some have played continuously since school, while others picked up their instruments again after decades away. What brings us all together is our shared love of making music.
Whether you're a seasoned musician or a proud former band nerd ready to dust off your instrument, there's a spot for you in the MCB.
Come join in the fun—no audition required!
What we do...
Our mission is to provide musicians of all skill levels with the opportunity to continue playing music throughout their lives.
From timeless classics to today's favorites, our repertoire spans centuries of music. We balance beloved favorites with hidden gems, introducing audiences to remarkable lesser-known works while performing everything from Renaissance orchestral transcriptions to contemporary concert band music from around the world, including:
Multi-movement works
Traditional and folk music
Holiday, patriotic, and celebratory
Pop, rock, and jazz
Stage and screen favorites
...and much more!
To share our music with the community we host free, public, family-friendly concerts throughout the year, including our seasonal concert series:
Winter & Spring: Indoor performances at The Woodland in Maplewood
Summer: Outdoor performances in Maplewood/South Orange and at The Clipper Pavilion in West Orange
While some concerts feature a wide-ranging mix of music, others are built around special themes such as the holidays, or movies and musicals. We also present performances tailored to specific audiences, including children, veterans, and seniors.
Beyond our full concert band, our musicians also perform in smaller ensembles for school programs, community events, and outreach performances that bring live music directly to audiences who may not otherwise be able to attend our concerts.
We hope to see you at an upcoming performance!
How to Join
The MCB season runs from September through July and we host our annual concerts in December, April, and June/July. Occasionally, we are asked to perform at community events.
Rehearsals are held on:
2nd, 4th, and some 5th Wednesdays
7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Maplewood, NJ
We welcome all interested musicians to join at any time. Previous experience playing high school-level concert band music is strongly recommended.
If you have any questions about the MCB or would like to join the band, please contact us.
➡ Musicians Needed ⬅
All instruments are always welcome, but we currently have an urgent need for:
Percussionists (critical)
Oboe
F Horn
Our Conductors
Michael Jedwabnik
Music Director & Conductor
Michael Jedwabnik currently is the Director of Bands at Livingston High School where he directs three concert bands, the pit orchestra, and is the assistant director of the Lancer Marching Band. Under his direction, the LHS Wind Symphony has earned many accolades and is recognized as one of the top high school ensembles in New Jersey. In addition, he is the lead music teacher for the Livingston School District.
Jedwabnik earned a BA in Music Education from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) and an MA in Composition from Rutgers University where he studied with Noel DaCosta and Rolv Yttreus. He has studied conducting with Bill Berz, Glen Adsit and H. Robert Reynolds.
An active freelance musician, composer/arranger, and clinician, Jedwabnik’s works for band have been performed throughout the United States and abroad.
Ginny Johnston
Associate Conductor
Ginny Johnston is a professional musician who embraces a wide variety of styles and activities. Trained as a classical clarinetist and composer, Ginny received degrees from Syracuse University and Boston University and then returned to her home state of New Jersey to pursue a music career. She is currently the Finance Director of The Discovery Orchestra, a music education organization whose mission is to teach listening skills to help people connect with classical music. The Orchestra focuses on digital programs, with six award-winning public television shows, radio and podcast programs, and other video and educator resources to its credit.
Ginny is also an accomplished singer-songwriter, vocalist and drummer. As a conductor, she serves as Assistant Conductor and principal 2nd clarinetist of the professional Garden State Symphonic Band, based in Middlesex County NJ. She also leads the Triad Vocal Ensemble community choir and helps produce annual benefit concerts to raise funds for three NJ organizations that support those impacted by HIV/AIDS.
Videos
Maplewood Concert Band Veterans Day Ceremony 2023
National Emblem, by Edwin Eugene Bagley
Maplewood Concert Band Summer Concert 2015
World Premier of Ragtime Robin Solo for Xylophone and Wind Band Accompaniment, by George Hamilton Green, arr. Robert Renshaw (Maplewood composer and MCB oboist 2014-2016).
Performed by Jasmine Bloch-Krempels and the Maplewood Concert Band at the Clipper Pavilion in West Orange, NJ.
Learn About Other MCM Ensembles
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