The Callanwolde Concert Band is an independent community concert band of adult musicians who decided not to give up music after graduating from school. Formed in 1972 as a summer program of the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, the band has operated as an independent non-profit corporation since 1984. The alliance with the Callanwolde Fine Arts Center continues in the form of formal concerts at the center and mutual support for a strong performing arts presence in the community. The band is known throughout Georgia for its high level of musicianship and audience appeal. This is music at and from the grass roots, made by your neighbors. Look closely - you may see your doctor, dentist, attorney and your air conditioning mechanic, all united to preserve and continue a great American tradition, the community band. The band of today differs greatly from the band of 1972, but the spirit and appreciation for good music played well has continued and flourished as the band has matured into one of the finest ensembles of its type in the southeast. Founded under the baton of Charles Bradley, famed director of the outstanding East Atlanta Elementary Band, the band continued with George Webster as director and temporarily paused operations in the summer of 1973. In the fall of 1973, the remaining members decided that the band would continue and asked for a show of hands from anyone who had ever been a band director. One hand hesitantly went up and by unanimous vote of everyone else, he was told, "Clyde, you are our new conductor" and given absolutely no choice in the matter whatsoever. Clyde Bales had not "waved the stick" in about twenty years, and was making his living as a communications engineer. His music degree from LSU had rusted quietly except for playing percussion with the band for fun. He was, however, brave and willing to preside over our growth until 1985 when a job change transferred him away from Atlanta. This time we prepared for a formal conductor search, but fortunately did not have to look beyond our trumpet section. From 1985 until his passing in 2016, the podium was occupied by Mr. In October 2016, the baton was formally passed to Glenn Moore.
