Catch the Holiday Spirit at Abilene Community Band Concert

The Abilene Community Band launched on July 4th, 1976, and has been entertaining west Texas ever since. After retiring from the Abilene Independent School District as Band Director, Joe Stephens took on the Abilene Community Band's conductor responsibilities from the very beginning.

So when it comes time to select which music will be performed at the Abilene Community Band concerts, Joe is the man. As Christmas draws nearer, Director Stephens has been busy searching for all the right songs to be performed at this year's ACB Christmas Concert.

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I spoke with Mr. Stephens recently, and he shared a surprise with me. Joe's longtime friend and schoolmate, as well as Interim Director at Hardin Simmons University, Terrel Rhodes will be guest conductor at the concert. Mr. Rhodes will step up to the podium to conduct the Christmas classic "Jingle Bell Rhapsody".

This year's Christmas Concert theme is along the lines of legendary Christmas classics. Director Stephens, "We will perform several classics from the Boston Pops like "Christmas Festival", "Sleigh Ride", and others. We plan to keep it festive and memorable with all the favorite Christmas classics.

Photo by: Joe Stevens Abilene Community Band

So, if you are having a hard time feeling the Christmas vibes, put on your favorite holiday sweater, Santa hat, and whatever other festive clothing you've got, and come on over to the Paramount Theatre. The concession stand will be open, by the way.

This concert is for everyone. Make this holiday the best one yet by joining in the fun and the most fantastic part is...IT'S FREE! Yep, get in free to one of the best holiday events in all of West Texas.

The incredible Abilene Community Band will be performing at the historic Paramount Theatre, located at 352 Cypress in downtown Abilene on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

A donation is always welcome and graciously appreciated. For more info or to sponsor the Abilene Community Band, call (325) 673-6408. Merry Christmas, y'all.