Piedmont Community Band, formerly called Piedmont Prime Time Community Band, was begun in August 2002 under the guidance of co-founders Jon Hutchinson and Nancy Sloop. While a community band had previously existed in Cabarrus County under the sponsorship of Cannon Mills, there had not been an organization in operation since the 1940’s. It was determined that the region needed an ensemble to provide area musicians with a continuous performance opportunity as part of lifelong learning and cultural enrichment.
From an initial rehearsal turnout of 17 individuals, PCB has grown to include a consistent membership of 60-80 players with full band instrumentation. The current roster includes residents from Cabarrus, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union counties.
In May 2013, Mr. Jon Hutchinson, the organization’s first and only conductor, stepped down after eleven years of devoted leadership. Dr. Laurence Marks served as director from 2013 to 2015; he had recently retired from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he served as director of bands. Mr. Christopher Wilson, known in the community as the director of bands at Concord High School, served as interim director for the 2015-2016 season. Jason Partridge, a band director with Cabarrus County Schools, served as the director from the Fall 2016 season to December 2021. Chris White, Director of Bands at Hickory Ridge High School, served as the next director for the band from January 2022 – December 2024.
In 2023, we changed our name from Piedmont Prime Time Community Band to the shorter Piedmont Community Band.
Starting January 2025, Colin Whiteley became the new director for the band. He is a graduate of Western Carolina University with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education. Mr. Whiteley is currently the band director at Mt. Holly Middle School.
Musical programs of Piedmont Community Band include a variety of music from classically oriented pieces and marches to serious contemporary works for wind ensemble. Programs also feature light, popular music for themed concerts, including a traditional holiday concert and a children’s program. Soloists, both vocal and instrumental, often highlight performances.
With the existence of excellent high school and college band programs in the greater Charlotte metropolitan area, Piedmont Community Band’s mission is to make ongoing instrumental music performance opportunities available to people of all ages who have previous experience in high school, college, or other community organizations.
The Piedmont Community Band is a self-sustaining, non-profit organization relying on donations, grants, and member contributions to fund its activities.