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LONG BEACH - An organization with a rich local history, the Long Beach Junior Concert Band welcomed the Queen Mary in 1967, performed for former President Ronald Reagan and is a regular at parades and festivals.
But now, the band's 60-year legacy could end on a sour note unless organizers can find a new place to practice by July 16.
"The city has told us that we have to be out of our current band hall by July 16 and we have nowhere to go," said band treasurer Carrie Daquiado. "If we can't find a building to practice in, I don't know if we'll be able to continue. We desperately need to find a new home."
The Junior Concert Band is a nonprofit youth organization that trains young musicians ages 13 to 21 from
For decades the city of Long Beach has provided the band with a free place to rehearse as a service to the community, Daquiado said. But last year, the city chose not to renew the contract for the band's current facility on the site of the former Police Athletic League gymnasium at 2311 E. South St.
Stacey Toda, a spokeswoman for Mayor Bob Foster's office, said the city has found a storage space for the band's equipment but is still searching for a vacant building that can serve as a practice hall.
But with just a few weeks to go before the band is homeless, Daquiado said she's frustrated and confused.
"I know there are vacant spaces all over the city," she said.
Daquiado said she's been searching for months on her own, inquiring at local businesses, area colleges and other facilities. But so far, she's found nothing that would be available free of charge.
The band is looking for an indoor 4,000- to 5,000-square-foot space where they can rehearse from 6 to 9 p.m. two to three days a week.
If nothing is found by July, the band will have to rehearse in a parking lot near the Boeing
"We practice until 9 p.m., so an outdoor parking lot isn't the best option," she added.
The concert band has about 40 members that play in three main sections - brass and woodwinds, percussion and pageantry. The staff and music directors are all volunteers.
Students pay a fee of $10 per month, which goes toward uniforms and transportation to events. Some students have their own instruments, but the band provides instruments for those who don't.
Students are required to audition, but usually everyone who tries out is accepted.
Daquiado, who met her husband, percussion director Lonny Daquiado, in the 1970s when they were both Junior Concert Band members, said the band serves as a place where students can build their music skills, be productive and stay out of trouble.
Drummer Andy Canales, 17, rides the bus to practice from his home in El Monte each week. The teen said the band program at his local high school doesn't compare.
"Here everyone is disciplined and we really work hard together to be better musicians," he said. "It's like a family."
Daquiado said she hopes the band will be able to find a practice hall soon.
"We just need a roof over our heads," she said.
Readers who may know of a place for the Long Beach Junior Concert Band can email lbjcb@aol.com or call Carrie Daquiado at 310-698-9815.
kelly.puente@presstelegram.com, 562-714-2181, http://twitter.com/kellypuentept
Want to help?
Readers who may know of a place for the Long Beach Junior Concert Band can email lbjcb@aol.com or call Carrie Daquiado at 310-698-9815.
