A comparative survey of community bands and community orchestras in Maryland and Virginia

Community bands and orchestras continue to grow in numbers and improve in quality. There is a need, however, for communication among community bands and orchestras since they encounter similar challenges and can benefit from shared information. By surveying area community orchestras and bands in the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC area, problems specific to this metropolitan area were discovered. This thesis surveyed the community bands and orchestras in Maryland and Virginia, obtaining current information and exploring the resemblances of the two groups. Though respondents felt there were not many similarities between the community band and orchestra, the answers proved differently. Both ensembles experience comparable challenges and seek parallel goals. Community bands and orchestras have much to learn and share. Both endeavor to offer musical experiences to musicians and community for the purposes of enjoyment and self-satisfaction.