Centennial
Making musical history for 100 years.
The Charlottesville Band has grown from an enthusiastic, but inexperienced, group of citizen musicians in 1922 to an accomplished and dedicated team of women and men today. Seven music directors have guided hundreds of Band members through the years, expanding the musical repertoire and diversifying the membership along the way. The Band persisted through the highs and lows of the 20th century and continues to serve our community in the 21st. To kick off our Centennial celebration, we invite you to check out some highlights from the Band’s past 100 years. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our blog, Marching Through History.
1922
THE BAND IS FOUNDED



1957
WOMEN ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE BAND
1963
The Band performs at the first annual Naturalization ceremony at Monticello


1976
THE BAND PERFORMS FOR QUEEN ELIZABETH II
1983
THE BAND ADMITS ITS 1,000TH MEMBER



2000
CONSTRUCTION OF THE MUNICIPAL ARTS CENTER IS COMPLETED
2010
First J.W. Simmons solo competition is held


2017
Matching Grant Success
2020
THE BAND IN A PANDEMIC



2022
CENTENNIAL YEAR
The Band, newly renamed The Charlottesville Band—or Cville Band for short—in 2021, is memorializing its 100th consecutive year in operation. We are proud to celebrate this momentous occasion with you!