The West Chester Band is an all-volunteer Community Concert Band that performs in and around West Chester, Pennsylvania. The original West Chester Band hails from the early part of the 1900s, was reinstated by the late Joseph E. Magno on January 3, 1986, and the band has been performing ever since. Magno realized a dream when the first rehearsal of the new West Chester Band was held with 35 musicians in attendance. Magno was a retired band director of West Chester’s Henderson High School and wanted to create an ensemble for alumni of the West Chester Area School District and West Chester University, which then grew to include musicians from all parts of the county and beyond. The band has earned a fine reputation for performing a variety of audience pleasing music. Classics, jazz, marches, and contemporary arrangements are all part of the band’s repertoire.
In 2003, Joseph Gehring was appointed music director and has helped grow the band into the exceptional ensemble it is today. Gehring is the head of the Music Department at Immaculata University where he also conducts the Concert Band and the Immaculata Symphony. He is also the conductor of the ChesCo Pops Orchestra.
The West Chester Band performs several concerts throughout the year including spring and fall concerts in conjunction with Immaculata University, and throughout the summer in many locations in the area. We always welcome new members. All experienced, qualified adult musicians are welcome to join. Rehearsals are usually held on Wednesday evenings from 7-9PM at Immaculata University. If you are interested in joining or have any questions about the band, please contact Joe Gehring or send an email from our website.
