Amherst Community Band Seeks Guest Conductors for 2026 Summer Season

Big changes are in the offing for the 2026 summer season of the Amherst Community Band.

With a new board of directors and a generous contribution from the Amherst and the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the hundred-member band is seeking qualified guest conductors for the upcoming season. “ With the award from the cultural council, we’re able to offer a small stipend to guest conductors,” said John Decker, president of the newly formed Board of Directors. 

Concerts at Sweetser Park in Amherst Center are scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on June 27,  July 25, and August 15, and are promoted by the Business Improvement District (BID) of Amherst. Additional appearances include a performance at the annual Fourth of July fireworks display on July 3, and a “Best Of Season” finale concert on August 18 at the South Amherst Common. “Because we’re in the middle of five colleges, all with extensive music programs, we know there are many potential conductors in the area,” Decker said. “Our goal is to eventually select a permanent conductor for the 2027 season,” he said.

The band, which rehearses on Mondays from 6-8 p.m. in the George N. Parks Band Building on the UMass campus, features musicians of all abilities and ages from enthusiastic amateurs to professionals, music teachers, middle and high school students, college students, and retirees. Membership is open to all who are interested, and no audition is required. The band is grateful to the university for the use of its facilities and equipment, including sound equipment, chairs, music stands, percussion instruments, and use of their music library.

Those seeking to learn more about the band, to join the roster, or to apply to be a guest conductor are encouraged to visit amherstband.org or to contact John Decker at 603-770-5340.