Summer Reflections and a Busy Fall Ahead in 2026 for the SWCCB
As summer comes to a close and the Southwest Community Concert Band begins its 44th season, there is plenty happening around the band. While Mother Nature changed some of our summer plans, September brought us an especially memorable community performance, and the months ahead are filled with concerts, special performances, educational programs, and more.
There's a lot to let you know about! Here’s a look at what we’ve been doing — and what’s coming next!
A Fourth of July Change of Plans
As many of you probably heard already, unfortunately, our planned July 4th concert in partnership with Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church in Homer Glen had to be canceled because of extreme heat and the threat of severe weather.
We greatly appreciate Annunciation Byzantine Catholic Church inviting the Southwest Community Concert Band to be part of this community-wide celebration and working with us to plan the event.
Fortunately, this was only a postponement of the partnership, not the end of it. We are already looking forward to returning for next year’s July 4th celebration, which is already on the calendar!
Congratulations to the Presbyterian Church of Orland Park on 50 Years!
The Presbyterian Church of Orland Park (PCOP) has been a wonderful partner to the Southwest Community Concert Band, providing us with rehearsal and performance space and serving as an important home base for the band over the past several years.
This year, the church is celebrating an impressive milestone: 50 years in the Orland Park community. We congratulate everyone at PCOP and thank them for their continued friendship and support of the SWCCB.
The church will hold its Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, September 26, 2026 with seatings at 5:00, 6:00 and 7:00 p.m. The evening includes dinner, raffle baskets and entertainment from Marko the Magician. Proceeds support local outreach and the Pathways Program at The Center.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 for children 12 and under.
An Evening of Remembrance in Orland Park
On Friday, September 11, the Southwest Community Concert Band was honored to participate in the Village of Orland Park’s Patriot Day Concert & Commemoration, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The evening began with the Nuclear Jazz Quarktet (and yes, “Quarktet” is spelled correctly!) entertaining the crowd with familiar jazz music beginning at 5 p.m.
At 6:30, the focus shifted to remembrance. The ceremony included the Orland Park Fire Protection District Honor Guard, the Orland Park Children’s Choir, first responders, veterans and community leaders. Speakers reflected on September 11, the sacrifices made that day and the courage, service and unity that followed.
The SWCCB was privileged to provide music throughout the ceremony, performing “Hallelujah,” “The Prayer,” and “Amazing Grace.”
Following the commemoration, the band presented a full hour-long patriotic concert, bringing a beautiful evening of remembrance and community together through music. We concluded the night with our traditional Salute to the Armed Forces, recognizing those who have served and continue to serve our country.
It was one of those evenings that reminded us why community music matters.
SWCCB Brass Ensemble Steps Back into the Civil War Era
The full band isn’t the only SWCCB group staying busy this fall.
On Saturday, October 10, the Southwest Community Concert Band Brass Ensemble will take part in the Civil War Days reenactment at Stellwagen Farm in Orland Park.
The ensemble is scheduled to perform at approximately 3 pm, providing Civil War-era music to help bring an additional level of authenticity to the event.
Next Concert: “Award Show Losers”
Our next full-band concert takes place on Saturday, October 24 at 7 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Orland Park, 13401 Wolf Road in Orland Park.
And this one has a very different theme:
Award Show Losers
Normally, we celebrate the winners. This time, we’re celebrating the music from those who didn’t win.
The concert will feature music associated with movies, television programs and other productions that were nominated for major awards — Oscars, Emmys and more — but ultimately watched someone else take home the prize.
Winning the award, as it turns out, isn't necessarily what makes the music memorable.
We think this is going to make for one of our more unusual — and musically interesting — concerts.
Winter Band Day Registration Is Opening Earlier This Year
Our annual Winter Band Day Festival for Kids will return on Saturday, January 30, 2027!
Traditionally, registration for this popular one-day music festival has opened around Thanksgiving. But participation has grown considerably in recent years, so this year we plan to open online registration in early October.
Young musicians and their families should watch our website and social media for the announcement.
Home for the Holidays
Of course, the year would not be complete without one of our favorite traditions: the Southwest Community Concert Band Home for the Holidays Christmas Concert and Food Drive.
The concert is scheduled for:
Saturday, December 19, 2026
7:00 p.m.
United Methodist Church of New Lenox
339 W. Haven Ave.
New Lenox, IL 60451
(map)
Along with an evening of holiday music, we will once again collect food and monetary donations to help support members of our community during the holiday season.
More details will be coming as we get closer to December.
There’s a Lot More Music Ahead!
September may mark the end of summer, but for the Southwest Community Concert Band, it marks the beginning of our 44th season of music and community service!
From community events and special ensembles to our fall and Christmas concerts — and eventually Winter Band Day and the rest of our 44th season — there is plenty ahead.
We hope you’ll keep in touch with us along the rest of the year and join us for our many musical offerings!
