Band will perform its first concert since February 2020

The musicians of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band and the Chaffey Adult School will present a “Welcome Back: It’s Been A Long, Long Time” concert at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20 on the north quad of Chaffey High School.

The free concert is the band’s first performance since February 2020 and will take place outdoors in compliance with coronavirus pandemic restrictions. The north quad is north and behind the Gardiner W. Spring Auditorium on the campus of Chaffey High School at 1250 N. Euclid Ave. in Ontario.

Although there is some seating at the lunch tables on the south end of the quad, those attending are advised to bring lawn chairs. Restrooms are available in the music building, and parking will be available in the Fourth Street and Fifth Street lots, according to a news release.

The concert program includes songs about September and patriotic music, plus several marches. Featured soloists are concertmaster and vocalist Chris McAleer, clarinetist and vocalist Sandra McDonald, assistant director and tenor saxophone soloist Patrick Arnold and drummer Steve Sturgis.

Gabe Petrocelli directs the band. Admission is free, though donations in the “hungry tuba” are welcome. The band also will have DVDs available for a small donation.

The concert also will be broadcast on Ontario cable Channel 3.

The Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band was founded in 1985 by R. Jack Mercer and is now under the direction of Gabe Petrocelli and assistant directors David Schaafsma and Pat Arnold. Band members represent at least two dozen communities throughout Southern California.

Adult musicians and students are invited to participate. Rehearsals take place 7-9 p.m. Mondays in the Chaffey High School Jack Mercer Band Room. The band performs monthly concerts on the campus of Chaffey High School as well as at other venues throughout the community. All performances are free to the public.

For information about the band and the Sept. 20 concert, go to showband.net.