A Brief History of the Hendersonville Community Band

Jim Stokes

Early in 1991 retired Hendersonville High School band director Jim Stokes decided to advertise for musicians to form a community band. He was amazed when fifty volunteers showed up at the Hendersonville High School band room ready to play. They began rehearsals with Jim as conductor and presented their first concert on April 11, 1991. The Hendersonville Community Band was born.

Since the Premier Concert the band has presented an annual schedule of Fall, Holiday and Spring Concerts. A fourth concert to benefit local high school bands was later added, with the benefit rotating among the four high schools in Henderson County.The Hendersonville Community Band incorporated in 1992 and received 501-(c)-3 status from the IRS after having qualified as a non-profit organization.

Jim Stokes Scholarship Fund

A scholarship fund to help qualified Henderson County students attend band music camps was established in 1997. Scholarships are funded by the band and tax deductible contributions from individuals. Camp scholarships are awarded based on the musical accomplishments of band students in grades seven though twelve. The fund was named in honor of Jim Stokes to recognize his contribution as founder of the Hendersonville Community Band.  

Board of Directors

A Board of Directors elected from its membership governs the Hendersonville Community Band. Ten voting members and the conductors serve on the board, which elects a president, secretary and treasurer. Board members usually serve as chairs of the various committees. All band members are encouraged to serve on committees. A volunteer librarian is appointed from within the band membership.