New Gardens Band/Indian River Pops Orchestra
Performing Arts|Music|Arts Education
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Description
The New Gardens Band is the dream child of Owen Seward, who, twenty-four years ago, founded the non-profit community band to share his passion for music with his Palm Beach College students, and with musician friends who needed a creative outlet. Seward’s playful and witty stage presence propelled the band toward many successes, including performances in Russia, and recording a Latin music CD. In four short years, Seward founded a ‘sister’ ensemble, the Indian River Pops Orchestra, under the umbrella of the New Gardens Band. Today the two community ensembles share many of the same members and often share the stage as well. It’s not unusual to enjoy both Sousa marches and operatic overtures at the same concert.
Currently, Dr. Douglas Jewett is carrying on Seward’s tradition of directing the Indian River Pops, while Peggie O’Neill serves as its Concert Master. The New Gardens Band is in the process of appointing a new conductor. While many members of the ensembles are professional musicians, all are volunteers who live, rehearse, and perform along the Treasure Coast. Ages have ranged from 12 years-old to 87, with students learning from and performing alongside seasoned musicians.
Plans are moving forward for the 2020-2021 season, featuring outdoor holiday renditions in tandem with the Treasure Coast Community Singers, outdoor festivals with the jazz pianist Copeland Davis, and tenor Brandon Mills, and an outdoor performance of Carl Orff’s powerful Carmina Burana. Venues will be announced at a later date. All events will be held in accordance with the highest safety regulations available for the safety of our musicians and audience.