ACB History

The Arlington Community Band was originally formed in 1976 in honor of the City of Arlington’s celebration of the American Bicentennial. Later, the band reorganized as the Arlington Civic Band to offer the citizens of Arlington the opportunity to experience symphonic band music. The band began its concert season in the summer of 1982 under the direction of Ray Lichtenwalter, band director at UTA.

In 1992, Steve Musser became musical director and conductor of the Arlington Community Band (ACB) and served a two-year term. In 1994 the band was incorporated as the Arlington Community Band. Bob Copeland then conducted and directed the ACB for 16 years as head director, as well as 12 additional years as assistant director when the band was originally formed.

In December 2009, Bob Copeland retired from the band. Rick Baker, who played trumpet in the band for 28 years, was appointed musical director and conductor.

During the 2000 summer season, the sentiment was strong among the band members to perform on a year-round basis. The ACB has performed many concerts since then, most notably at Arlington’s annual Fourth of July Parade. The band has also appeared at Six Flags Over Texas, Riverfest at River Legacy Park, UTA Summer Music Camps, and numerous locations around Arlington during its summer concert seasons. Over recent years, the ACB has continued to perform at the Arlington Fourth of July Parade, as well as the Parade of Lights every December. Indoor concerts are regularly hosted by many area churches and retirement homes, including First United Methodist Church, First Church of the Nazarene, First Christian Church, New World United Methodist Church, Irving Arts Center, and Fox Run Retirement Center. As well as performing annually for the Arlington Downtown Rotary Club.

In 2005, the Arlington City Council proclaimed the Arlington Community Band as “The Official Band of Arlington.”