Missoula City Band to begin June rehearsals, hold weekly summer concerts

The Missoula City Band, led by conductor Gary Gillette, said it will begin rehearsals in June and present weekly summer concerts beginning in late June.

The band’s schedule, described during a radio appearance, includes a pre-show by a big band, weekly concerts (noted as occurring on Wednesdays), guest artists such as the Garden City Strings, and a traditional July 4 program. Organizers said they plan to give returning members two rehearsals before the first public performance and to play a mix of familiar marches, swing sets and guest-feature arrangements.

Gary Gillette, identified in the broadcast as the band’s conductor, described the group as a community ensemble that aims to “contribute to the vibrancy of the valley” by offering free summer entertainment. The program will include singers and instrumental soloists; the conversation on air also noted a recurring accordion player and a guest arranger who helps adapt pieces for the band.

According to the broadcast, the band will rehearse in advance of public concerts and will perform several pieces each week that longtime participants already know. The radio segment referenced a start “in June” for rehearsals and indicated concerts would begin the week of the 25; the exact calendar dates and venue details were not specified on air.

Listeners at the program were invited to follow the band’s summer schedule and to attend the open concerts. The radio hosts also extended an open invitation for the conductor to return to the program for updates.