The Band was founded in March 1974 by Mr. Crofton L. M. (Roy) Corbin, from the Island of Barbados, in the West Indies. He began his music career as a Trumpet player in Barbados Police Band and continued his music education by attending the Royal College of Music in England. After graduation he returned to Barbados and continued to play with the Barbados Police Band for several years. Later he joined the Jamaica Regimental Band and distinguished himself as a trumpet and cornet soloist.
In the early 70’s, Mr. Corbin migrated to the U.S.A., settled in Maryland and became involved in a Music Program designed to support both Takoma Park and Blair Elementary School Students. His involvement in this Program led to the formation of an adult Band. The Takoma Park City Council passed an ordinance to adopt the band as the official Band of the City, and it was renamed, The Takoma Park Municipal Band. At a later date, in order to reflect the Band’s involvement in the Community and the City, the name was changed to the TAKOMA PARK COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND.
Originally the band was under the leadership of Mr. Corbin and band directors of Blair High School and Takoma Park Middle School. Mr. Corbin became the Director in 1974 and continued in this position for 15 years. In the year 1989, he passed his Baton to our current Director Mr. Lafayette Jackson, and returned to his Native land, the Island of Barbados in the West Indies.
Mr. Lafayette Jackson is a Graduate of Catholic University, in Washington, DC., where he earned a Bachelor of Music Degree and a Master of Music Degree. Currently, he is a Music Teacher in Prince George’s County, and the Director of the Orchestra at Oxon Hill High School. He is also on the faculty of the DC Youth Orchestra Program. Mr. Jackson play several instruments, but he is best known as a freelance double bass player.
The band membership has expanded to include musicians ranging from College Students to Retirees of divers ethnicity. They commute to the Heffner Community Center in Takoma Park for rehersals once a week, from the entire Metropolitan Area. Currently, our repertoire include Classical, Marches, Jazz and Latin Music. The Band performs at Embassies, Retirement Homes, Churches, Hospitals and Local parks. Each year the Band performs at the Annual Takoma Park City Independence Day Celebration, on the 4th of July.