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Jordan-Elbridge Community Band


Maria Hare and Tim Filkins (co-founders) began to discuss the idea of starting a Jordan-Elbridge Community Band for the first time at the Jordan Memorial Day Parade in 1998. Tim created a proposal to present to the Village of Elbridge Trustee Board and the Elbridge Fire Department. They were very supportive of a new Community Band and provided approval to use the Fire Department facilities for rehearsals and Concerts. A request for band members was made in the local newspapers and the first outdoor concert was held on the Fire Department's East lawn during the Summer of 1998. The band has had as many as 30 members in past years comprised of Adults and Students from the general Jordan-Elbridge region. Members come from Auburn to Camillus to Skaneateles to Cato and many areas in between.

Maria Hare played in her Dad's German Band in her youth and was anxious to carry on the family tradition of being the director of her own "Community Band". Maria grew up playing the Euphonium and studied music education in College before joining the Jordan-Elbridge school district as a music instructor where she has spent her last 20 years.

Tim Filkins played in other community bands, including the Skaneateles Community Band and dreamed of starting a Community Band in Elbridge. He graduated from the Jordan-Elbridge school district where he played in the Jordan-Elbridge Marching Band for 6 years. Tim plays the Trombone and has been the Manager since the band's formation in 1998.

The band will be playing it's 9th season this year and credits the Elbridge Fire Department for being very generous and accommodating, their facilities have been used for many rehearsals and Concerts. Concerts are generally held on Friday Summer evenings at the Elbridge Fire House on Route 5 (Main Street) in Elbridge, NY. Please review the Performance Schedule page to learn about their latest upcoming performances.