The Kishwaukee Concert Band (KCB) is a voluntary adult community organization dedicated to the rehearsal and performance of traditional and contemporary concert band music for the cultural benefit of the DeKalb County, Illinois area. Through weekly rehearsals, the band provides free concerts in October, December, March, and May. The band provides a venue for experienced wind and percussion musicians, age 18 and older, to engage in ensemble playing for mutual enjoyment and enhancement of musical skills. Membership in the band is free and unpaid.

Rehearsals run from September through May, to prepare the season's four concerts, which are held in October, December, March and May.

The more than 40 volunteer players in the Kishwaukee Concert Band come from many backgrounds and occupations, both active and retired. A recent list of band members can be seen by clicking here (for an Adobe Acrobat PDF file).

Openings arise in the KCB membership for wind and percussion musicians to join on an ongoing basis or to join for specific concerts that require additional instrumentation. Expressions of interest are welcome via the Contact Us page on this website.

To Become a New Band Member

Potential new members of the Kishwaukee Concert Band may learn of openings via the KCB website, from current conductors or band members, or by making an inquiry using the Contact Us page at this website.

Once a prospective band member is identified by a self-inquiry or from contact by current conductors or band members, the KCB conductors and the relevant section leader are notified of the potential new member.

Next, one of the conductors or another band member will contact the potential member to learn about the musician’s background and qualifications and his or her ability to attend rehearsals and concerts for the late-August to mid-May concert season or for a particular concert date. In general, the background and qualifications include the ability to read music and play with good tone and intonation, a background of studying and playing the instrument, and experience performing with a musical ensemble. It is recognized that as an adult musician, a potential member may not have recently played in an ensemble but still may have adequate playing abilities.

Upon learning that a potential new member’s background and instrumental qualifications fit with the needs of the KCB, an invitation to attend a KCB rehearsal is communicated. The position to be played by the invited new member is determined by the ability and needs of the instrumental section. The conductors and section leader work together to make the final determination of the position to be occupied within the section.

Once the KCB conductors and section leader have determined to have a musician join the band for a concert season or for a particular concert date, a Welcome to the KCB letter is provided to the new member. This letter contains more details on the band and its rehearsals and performances.

If it has been determined that an instrumental section is full, a qualified musician can be placed on the band’s substitutes list, to be called upon when a temporary or permanent vacancy arises in that section.

Rehearsal and Performance Locations

Band rehearsals are typically in the band room at the Huntley Middle School, 1515 S. 4th St. (the former DeKalb High School), from 7:15 pm to 9:15 pm on Wednesdays. The rehearsal schedule is found here. Concert performances are at the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall in the Music Building of Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, on Saturday or Sunday afternoons. The season’s concert schedule is found here. The rehearsal and concert locations are in smoke-free institutions; smoking is not allowed in or around either of these buildings.