Community band

A community band is a concert band or brass band ensemble composed of volunteer (non-paid) musicians in a particular geographic area. It may be sponsored by the local (municipal) government or self-supporting. These groups rehearse regularly and perform at least once a year. Some bands are also marching bands, participating in parades and other outdoor events. Although they are volunteer musical organizations, community bands may employ an Artistic Director (conductor) or various operational staff.

Community bands can also be known as "town", "citizen", "city", "municipal" (which may pay their members) or "civic" bands. They may use the terms "wind orchestra", "wind symphony" or "wind ensemble" in place of "band" or some variation of the terms (e.g. "symphonic winds"). A group of this type often includes the name of the community or organization which sponsors it, the town or county where it is based, or a local geographical landmark or regional term in its name.