Huge change coming for Modesto’s beloved MoBand
After 45 years leading the community’s beloved MoBand, Conductor George Gardner plans to retire.
The announcement came via a Wednesday morning Facebook video post in which Gardner says he will pass on the baton at the end of this summer.
“It’s been a great run, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I look forward to a great summer as we celebrate this great institution,” Gardner says in the Facebook video.
“Over the years, we’ve made some fantastic music on this stage. This band has grown musically over the years and it’s been my pleasure to see the growth in the organization,” he says.
The upcoming concert season marks the 105th anniversary of the Modesto Band of Stanislaus County, affectionately known as MoBand.
The concerts attract thousands each summer to Mancini Bowl at Graceada Park, where people traditionally hold their spots on the lawn surrounding the bowl by putting down blankets early in the day. Many take along picnic dinners to enjoy during the shows.
Gardner started as a musician in MoBand while in high school, the Facebook post read, becoming the band’s manager in 1972 before later taking over as conductor.
“I’ve always said over the years that I have the best seat in the house because I get to stand on the podium every week and listen to this outstanding organization and the great music that you produce,” he says in the video. “But more than the music, I think one of the most important things about MoBand are the friendships that we have developed over the years with one another. Every week, we all get to come together, play as a band, but at the same time we are also bonding as friends.”
Gardner said that this year’s theme will be “Rockin’ Out.” Concerts are set for June 6 through July 11.
“And of course at the end of the summer,” he said, “I’ll be rockin’ out.”
Interested in joining the MoBand?
The rules of participation, as stated on MoBand.org:
▪ Play an instrument commonly used in a band
▪ Have graduated the eighth grade
▪ Able to make the rehearsals for that concert week.
▪ Be willing to play your best!
▪ You are encouraged to play every week, but you can come even just one!
This story was originally published February 7, 2024 at 12:12 PM.
