Submitted by Brian Wuerch
Hamilton County now has its very own community band! The Hamilton County Community Band, under the direction of Brian Swart, will perform its annual Christmas concert at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4 at the Noblesville High School Auditorium.
The concert is free and will feature many familiar Christmas tunes including the Hawaiian classic “Mele Kalikimaka,” along with several fun Christmas medleys. The band will also accompany the Fishers Community Chorus under the direction of Marc Feeney.
The Hamilton County Community Band (HCCB), with more than 80 volunteer members, was formed on Feb. 25, 2018, with a meeting between current director, Brian Swart, Eric Thornbury, and Marc Feeney. These three men saw a need for a true community concert band in Hamilton County.
“Our mission is to have a ‘FUN’ atmosphere that is inviting to all musicians,” Swart said. HCCB performs multiple concerts in and around Hamilton County. Rehearsals are held weekly on Sunday evenings at Noblesville High School.
Atlanta, Ind. native Brian Swart serves as the director of the Hamilton County Community Band. (Photo provided)
Swart is a native of Atlanta, Ind. He received his bachelor’s degree in music from Ball State University in 2006, where he studied trombone under John Seidel. While at Ball State, Brian played bass trombone in the Wind Ensemble and Studio Jazz Ensemble. He was also Drum Major of the “Pride of Mid-America” Marching Band.
Swart’s past adventures include Director of the Lapel Community Band, band staff for Daleville, Columbia City, Noblesville, Hamilton Heights, and Lapel. His professional memberships include the Indiana Music Educators Association and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Swart lives in Cicero with his wife Melissa (flute) and his youngest son Ethan. His oldest son Noah is a percussionist and sophomore at Indiana State University. His stepson James is a percussionist and a recent graduate of Hanover College.
Also featured at this year’s Christmas Concert is the Fishers Community Chorus (FCC). The FCC was founded in 2015 by HCCB member/co-founder Marc Feeney as an ensemble under the umbrella of another non-profit music organization, Fishers Music Works. For seven years, FCC has collaborated with organizations throughout central Indiana to provide a fun and engaging opportunity for singers from all musical backgrounds.
Please consider supporting this community endeavor at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4 in the Noblesville High School Auditorium. Bring the family and grandkids and kick off your holiday season. A free will offering will be collected to help with purchase of new music and equipment. HCCB also welcomes corporate sponsors.
Information can be found at hamiltoncountycommunityband.com.