The first AirVenture Concert Band rehearses at the Nature Center prior to its first-ever performance last summer at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Photo by Dave Higdon

One of the more memorable moments of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2007 was the wonderful performance by EAA’s first-ever AirVenture Concert Band, a collection of volunteer members who opened the Wednesday evening program at Theater in the Woods. (See their performance.) Conductor Elton Eisele, EAA 216273, who is the band director at Niles North High School in suburban Chicago, was the driving force behind putting the band together, and he’s volunteered to do it again for AirVenture 2008.

Musically inclined EAAers who wish to take part can register online through April 1, 2008. The tentative schedule will mirror last year: Band members will gather at the Nature Center Pavilion for rehearsals at 8 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, then perform at the Theater in the Woods on Wednesday, July 30, starting at 7 p.m. Musicians will receive the sheet music before AirVenture so they can learn the music.

There are no auditions for the band, and seating will be determined by the applications. The band will be comprised of 60 to 70 musicians. Additional information will be sent to band members at a later date.

Those with questions should contact Elton via e-mail.

Read the story about last year’s band as it appeared in EAA AirVenture Today.