Centennial
Making musical history for more than 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 second century, we invite you to check out some highlights from the Band’s more than 100 year history. 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
At director Sharon Hoose’s recommendation, women are admitted to the Band for the first time in its history. Eighteen women join during 1957, including Peggy Madison, who would play with the Band for 66 years until her retirement in 2023. In the years since 1957, there have been just under 600 female members of 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, memorializes its 100th consecutive year in operation. A year of celebration culminates in a birthday conert at Ting Pavilion featuring Ray Caddell of Big Ray and the Kool Kats, the U.S. Army Brass Quintet, vocalist Bob McDonald, and guest conductor Paul Murtha.
2023
KICKING OFF THE SECOND CENTURY
The Band opens its 101st season with a Spring Concert at PVCC’s Dickinson Theater. The performance features Lizzie Mayhood, the 2023 Concerto Competition winner, and the nine winners of the inaugural Centennial Music Scholarship for middle school musicians.
