Providing Music to our community since 1946
The Darien Community Band was founded in 1946 by Luther Thompson, Director of Music at Darien High School. Our membership consists of DHS students and adult residents of Darien and neighboring towns. Our season runs from the beginning of May to the end of July. Our purpose is to provide free concerts for the Darien community, create a cultural outlet for students and adults, and to foster town spirit and civic pride.
We are a not-for-profit Section 501(c)(3) organization.
Meet our director
Joel Knecht has been the Music Director of the Darien Community Band since 2022. He is a music teacher at Middlesex Middle School in Darien. He graduated from Western Connecticut University with a Bachelors in Music Performance on Euphonium, and has a Masters in Music Education from Kent State University.
Aside from teaching music, Joel is also an avid composer, with over 30 original songs for Concert Bands of all skill levels. He also presents workshops and professional development to teachers and districts on developing curriculum for music programs. Joel lives in Monroe with his wife, Kimya, and their 4 children, Elijah, Grant, Silas, and Lynnea.
His music can be found at www.joelknechtmusic.com
OUR SPONSORS
A generous donation from each of our sponsors allows us to bring music to the Darien Community throughout the season