The Thanksgiving turkey and tamales are already a savory memory.
Holiday lights sparkle throughout our communities. But nothing says “most wonderful time of the year” quite like music. In McAllen, a revered town band has spread the spirit of Christmas for over 50 years.
The McAllen Wind Ensemble is actually the third name of the group, which was established in 1973. Businessman Bill Wilson brought the idea home to McAllen after being inspired by plaza bands in Mexico. It was called the McAllen Town Band and was an all-volunteer group of musicians. They made their debut at a concert in Archer Park in March of 1974.
The name later changed to McAllen Symphonic Band and then to its current name, the McAllen Wind Ensemble. The group continues to cherish its origins.
“We are still proud to be the McAllen Town Band,” said Jonathan Stevens, an at-large board member of the Town Band Association and a clarinetist in the Ensemble.
The City of McAllen’s McAllen Performing and Cultural Arts Foundation sponsors all tickets to the group’s concerts, opening the doors to everyone.
“The City of McAllen proudly supports the McAllen Wind Ensemble because the performing arts are essential to our community’s cultural vitality,” McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos said.
“By making these concerts free and accessible, we ensure that every resident has the opportunity to experience the joy of live music.”
The mayor praised the ensemble for its artistic excellence and strengthening the city’s shared identity. Villalobos says the group enriches the quality of life for all who call McAllen home.
‘A Musical Journey’
The Cultural Arts Foundation’s ticket sponsorship provides free admission for all for the ensemble’s performances.
The community is encouraged to reserve tickets at mcallenwindensemble.org. Those who prefer printed tickets may go to the MPAC Box Office. Tickets are general admission. Like a concert band, the McAllen Wind Ensemble features woodwinds, brass and percussion, and often adds guest musicians like harpists and pianists to perform.
Special guest performers at the November concert included McAllen school district’s elementary choir students. Stevens emphasized the work it requires to have the students participate at the upcoming concert.
“The key is committed choir directors like Rose Arevalo,” Stevens said of the choir teacher at Seguin Elementary School in McAllen. “She gets the parents involved, rehearses with the students. She does it all.”
Stevens says partnerships like this one enhance the mission of the McAllen Wind Ensemble.
“We are always looking at ways to bridge music at every level,” he said.
Community Involvement
“Christmas Across America” is scheduled for Dec. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Those in attendance will be treated to what the ensemble calls “a musical holiday journey across the USA.”
“Christmas Across America” will combine Christmas carols and music from “The Nutcracker.”
The magical feel of “The Nutcracker” will feature guest performers from Deborah Case Dance Academy bringing the music to life in a choreographed art form.
Rogerio “Roger” Olivarez Jr. has been the ensemble’s musical director since 2014, making him the longest-serving director in its history. Olivarez is the ensemble’s conductor and an inductee in the Rio Grande Valley Band Directors Hall of Fame Class of 2024-2025. The musicians in the ensemble include teachers, band directors and community members from diverse backgrounds.
“We start each year with 60-65 musicians for our first concert and grow to 75-80,” Stevens said.
Martha Clow is president of the Town Band board and an oboist who has performed with the group for over 40 years.
“We love making music, and we love being together to do it,” Clow said. “We have an amazing group and an amazing director who pulls us all together.”
Stevens says McAllen has a town band because of the all-volunteer group of talented musicians and the support it receives from the city and its business community. The McAllen Parks & Recreation Department supports the ensemble’s efforts by moving the group’s equipment and aiding in many other ways. South Texas Health System has been the ensemble’s season sponsor for the past two years, underwriting the cost to produce the shows.
The ensemble’s nonprofit organization, the McAllen Town Band Association, offers six levels of sponsorship as well as advertising opportunities. Individuals can join the ensemble’s Patron Program. For $50 per year, patrons enjoy reserved seating and expedited entry into the concert. A special lounge area for patrons is one of the newest perks.
It’s all part of playing music that inspires countless memories.
“It’s all part of being an arts community,” Stevens said.
