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Family Fun: Annual Alexandria’s Citizens Band Holiday Singalong Happens Friday, December 14

ALEXANDRIA, VA–Join the Alexandria Citizens Band for the always fun and popular Alexandria Holiday Sing-Along. They will play all your musical favorites, including a narrated version of the magical “Twas the Night Before Christmas” and a fantastic Hanukkah Medley.

Warm up your voices so you can sing along as the band entertains you under the baton of Mike Evans. Wear your holiday sweaters and Santa hats. Bring your family and friends. There will even be some treats for you! It’s all FREE – the band’s gift to the community. Join the fun at 7:30 pm, Friday, December 14, 2018, at Del Ray United Methodist Church 100 East Windsor Street, Alexandria, VA 22301.

The Alexandria Citizens Band started in 1912. Here they are on Cameron Street in 1928. (Courtesy photo)

About the Alexandria Citizen’s Band

The Alexandria Citizens Band, led by conductor Mike Evans, is the oldest performing arts organization in the City of Alexandria.  It was founded in 1912 as the American Indian Guard Band, and made its first public appearance in the George Washington Birthday Celebration Parade of 1914.  It has been continually active ever since.  In 1920, the band dropped its original name, and was reorganized under its present name.  Over the years, the band has represented the City of Alexandria in statewide band contests under the auspices of the Alexandria Fire Department, winning 13 first prizes and several second and third prizes. Currently, the band performs at community events, retirement homes, and other locations in Alexandria and around the Washington, DC metro area.  Recent performances include the Old Town Arts and Crafts Festival and Art on the Avenue in Del Ray.

About Conductor Mike Evans 

Mike Evans is completing his third year as Conductor of The Alexandria Citizen’s Band.  He joined the band in 2009 as a euphonium player and was appointed Conductor in 2016, after serving as Associate Conductor.  He has performed as a trombone and tuba player with both the concert and swing bands.

Mike began his musical instruction at age nine on trumpet at Holy Redeemer Catholic School, Washington, D.C.  He is a 2002 graduate of DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, and continued his education at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, earning his Bachelors of Music degree in 2008. His primary teachers include Dr. Mike Hall, Mr. Dean Englert, MSG (Ret.) Scott Cameron (US Army Field Band), and MSgt Aaron Moats (US Air Force Band).   He is currently a member of the 380th Army Band at Ft. Eustis, VA. Additionally, he is a member of the Concert/Ceremonial Band, Brass Quintet, and Brass Band. His duties include Principal euphonium player, trombone player, tuba player, and Enlisted Conductor.

Mike is a band teacher in the Washington, D.C. area, and maintains an extensive brass studio of over 20 students.  He currently performs as the Bass Trombonist of the Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra. Mike has performed with the National Concert Band of America, the NIH Philharmonia/World Doctors Orchestra, and the Arlington Concert orchestra.

Mary Wadland

Mary Wadland is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of The Zebra Press, founded by her in 2010. Originally from Delray Beach, Florida, Mary is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Hollins College in Roanoke, VA and has lived and worked in the Alexandria publishing community since 1987.

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