Naples Concert Band Looks Towards 47th Season

On any given Sunday in Cambier Park, thousands of music lovers gather for one of Naples’ most beloved traditions – a performance by the Naples Concert Band (NCB). Now heading into its 47th season, the NCB shows no signs of slowing as it continues to bring the community together to celebrate music.

Naples Concert Band was formed in 1972 as a small nonprofit band of 10 musicians playing to audiences in the
few hundreds. With a rapidly expanding audience and band, and funding provided only through donor and community support, the band has proven itself as a lasting establishment in Southwest Florida.
Not only is the band an advocate for wonderful music, it’s also an advocate for Southwest Florida. In 1987, the NCB began its triumphant petition of Naples City Council to build the original bandshell at Cambier Park in 1987.

After raising more than $500,000 to construct the stunning, one-of-a-kind facility and its subsequent renovation in 2001, the band still proudly plays there each month to an audience of more than 2,000 people. It has made Naples a destination for music aficionados and first-time revelers as well. In addition to producing exciting music, the band boasts a robust scholarship program that began in 1983 and has since awarded more than $100,000 in student scholarships – most to students who then become full-time members of the band.

This past season brought record crowds to the band’s January, February and March concerts. With stellar
performances by trombone master Harry Watters; violin virtuoso Glenn Basham; Broadway star Mark Sanders; piano prodigy Joshua Ross; and acclaimed vocalists Carolann Sanita, Cindy Miller, and Douglas Renfroe, it’s easy to see why. The addition of a surprise American flag drop from the roof of the bandshell for the audience took this season over the top! “We are a well-established band with a very large and loyal audience.

Our quality performances, which feature varied and timely music that appeals to just about everyone’s musical tastes, are always well received,” said Harris Lanzel, longtime NCB music director and conductor. “Our 80+ musicians have fun while performing – and it shows!” Now in the beginning stages of planning for its 47th season, guests can expect challenging, fresh arrangements and soloists.

For a full schedule of concerts, please visit www.NaplesConcertBand.org near the end of August.