The Montgomery County Civic Band will begin its summer concert season Sunday with a free performance at 3 p.m. on the grounds of Lane Place Museum.
The concert, themed “Up and Away,” will feature a variety of uplifting and upbeat selections chosen by band director Cindy McCormick. The program will open with “The Star-Spangled Banner” and include pieces such as “Billy Joel in Concert,” “Come Fly With Me,” “Tijuana Brass in Concert” and music from the Disney film “Up.”
Guests are encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets for seating. While all concerts are free, the band welcomes monetary donations to help purchase music and equipment.
This marks McCormick’s second year as director after returning to the position in 2025 following a 20-year hiatus. She stepped back into the role when longtime director Gary Ketchum retired from directing and returned to playing with the band.
McCormick has been a member of the Civic Band for 48 years and even met her husband through the organization. He remains a member of the band.
Planning for each season begins months in advance. McCormick said she started preparing this year’s concert series in January. Because the band is entirely volunteer-based, it relies heavily on community support. Donations received last year allowed the band to purchase 12 new pieces of music for the 2026 season.
The band consists of 50 members, with 35 of those being core players who have performed regularly for several years.
The Civic Band will also take part in local celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday. Its July 5 concert will be held at Pike Place as part of those festivities.
The June 7 concert lineup includes:
“The Star-Spangled Banner”
“Up, Up and Away”
“Billy Joel in Concert”
“Onward Upward”
“Bricusse and Newley on Broadway”
“Superman Suite” (Excerpts)
“Tijuana Brass in Concert”
“Lanterns in the Sky”
“Come Fly With Me”
“Pride of Pittsburgh”
“Up”
“The Stars and Stripes Forever”
