Joe Berkowitz, founder, created the St. Petersburg Community Band on January 15, 1975. The band was under the direction of Paul Nicholson,
who was then the band director at St. Petersburg High School. The Band used the Band Room at St. Petersburg High School and their music
until 1976 when Mr. Nicholson unfortunately could no longer devote the time. Dr. George Westcott, a member of the band and former director
of music at Eastern Illinois University for 25 years, led the band for the next 10 years using facilities at Boca Ciega High School.
In 1988 Dr. Westcott gave up conducting and Don MacTavish, director of the Festival of States took over the baton for six years. Mr. Don MacTavish
was transferred to Orlando in 1994 and Rob Romeyn became the director. Rob who is a writer and arranger directed the Band until 2013, with
one year off to get his Master’s Degree. Larry Patterson directed during the interim.
In 2013 after directing the band for approximately 18 years, Rob wanted to devote more time to his writing and arranging and he turned the
baton over to Dr. John Bannon, Principal Timpanist of The Florida Orchestra. Dr. Bannon continues to direct the band assisted by Mrs. Deborah Forringer
who is a retired Band Director and Music Teacher.
The Band plays approximately 18 concerts a year. Prior preformances include playing for the Special Olympics, Bay Pines VA Hospital, Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, St. Petersburg
Christmas Tree Lighting, Festival of Community Bands and many Senior Communities and Churches in the area. The current membership is approximately
60 members. The Band is a not-for-profit corporation registered in The State of Florida and is certified as a 501(c)(3) organization. The band is funded 100% by donations and sponsors.
The Band has grown in size so in 2015 we moved to Allendale Methodist Church, 3803 Haines Road, St. Petersburg, FL for rehearsals. In 2023 the band
moved to the Riviera United Methodist Church, 75 62nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL.
We are appreciative to Riviera United Methodist Church for their hospitality and to Allendale Methodist Church in helping us find this new rehearsal location.
In 2025 we celebrate 50 years of playing music. Congradulations to all current and previous members.