MVCB to begin rehearsing in September: Get to know the Music Director, Amanda Herold, who enters second year leading the band

September marks the beginning of autumn, and the start of the Montgomery Village Community Band’s (MVCB) season.

The first rehearsal of the season is on Wednesday, Sept. 9, and the band’s Music Director Amanda Herold is excited to continue sharing her love of music with the Montgomery Village community at large as she enters her second season conducting the local ensemble.

The MVCB is an all-volunteer ensemble sponsored by the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) and has been performing in and around the community and surrounding areas since 1979. The group’s repertoire includes classical works, marches, film music, show tunes, popular music, seasonal selections, and newer works written for concert bands. The band’s season runs from September through July, with rehearsals on Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Stedwick Community Center, 10401 Stedwick Road.

Herold’s approach as Music Director is to set clear musical goals, select a repertoire that helps the ensemble grow, and create an environment where members feel both challenged and supported.

“I believe community musicians deserve rehearsals that are purposeful, well-prepared, and musically fulfilling,” said Herold. “At the same time, a community band should be a place where people genuinely enjoy spending their Wednesday evenings.”

In addition to directing MVCB, Herold is the Director of Instrumental Music at John F. Kennedy High School in Silver Spring, MD, where she works with band, orchestra, jazz, marching band, beginning instrumental music, and piano students.

“Working with musicians across different ages and experience levels has taught me the importance of meeting people where they are while bringing everyone together around a shared musical goal,” Herold stated.

A graduate of the Sunderman Conservatory at Gettysburg College, Herold is currently pursuing a Master of Music Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where her graduate work has inspired her to think more intentionally about repertoire, rehearsal practices, accessibility, and the role musical ensembles can play in their communities.

For Amanda, one of the most rewarding parts of directing MVCB is seeing lifelong music-making and community building happen in the same room.  She mentioned, “our members arrive after work and busy days, and within a few minutes, we are all focused on creating something together. Some have played continuously for many years, while others are returning to an instrument they may not have played in a long time.”

Seeing them continue or rediscover that connection to their instruments reminds Herold that the value of music education extends far beyond the classroom. Music offers people a way to keep learning, creating, contributing, and belonging throughout their lives.

Because members are volunteering their time, Herold stresses the importance of making each rehearsal meaningful, and creating a space where members can feel comfortable asking questions, taking risks, and enjoying the process.

Anyone with previous instrumental experience is welcome to join, and no audition or music degree is required. Interested musicians can contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and are welcome to attend a rehearsal before deciding whether they would like to join. New members are welcomed into their section and begin making music with the group right away. Herold has seen how the more tenured members are supportive and help new musicians feel comfortable as they settle into the ensemble.

If new members decide to join the ensemble, they can complete the membership process and pay the annual dues, which are currently $55 for Montgomery Village residents and $65 for non-residents.

Herold keeps her rehearsals focused but says there is also plenty of room for conversation and laughter. Week after week, the band prepares for upcoming performances and works on areas such as ensemble balance, tone, rhythm, phrasing, and musical expression.

Along with its traditional repertoire, MVCB has also participated in commissioning consortiums, which help support the creation of new music and provides members the opportunity to perform works by living composers. This variety provides different musical challenges throughout the year and allows MVCB to offer programs that appeal to a wide range of audience members.

Herold wants the community to know is that they do not need to consider themselves advanced or professional musicians to participate. Community music gives people a reason to come together and create something meaningful. An ensemble brings together people of different ages, professions, backgrounds, and experiences who might not otherwise meet. Over time, rehearsals and performances become more than musical activities – they create friendships, shared traditions, and a genuine sense of belonging.

“If someone has played an instrument before and misses making music with other people, we would be happy to welcome them,” said Herold.

Looking ahead, Herold hopes to continue welcoming new and returning musicians, building stronger partnerships throughout Montgomery Village, and making performances increasingly accessible and inviting.

Ultimately, she wants MVCB to remain a place where people can make music, form lasting connections, and contribute to the community they call home.

Catch the next MVCB show, the MVCB Halloween Concert, on Sunday, October 25 at 3 p.m. Location TBD. For the full show schedule, visit https://www.montgomeryvillage.com/recreation/mv-community-band. Check out the photos from the 2025 Halloween concert by clicking the image below.