PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania - The 15th annual Three Rivers Community Band Festival on Saturday, April 14 from 2:30 – 5 p.m., will bring together three of the best community bands in the Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania region, plus an all-new festival band.

The band will perform selections under the baton of guest conductor, Dr. Otis C. French, director of bands and instrumental activities at the University of Mount Union.

French entered the Army Music Program in 1978 and served for over 24 years. In the years following his military band career, he has served as director of bands at the college level in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and now in Ohio. He remains active as a guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, euphonium soloist, and marching band show designer. The Festival Band performance will be the exciting kick-off to a wonderful afternoon of music.

The Three Rivers Community Band Festival continues to be a showcase of the many musically talented individuals in the region. In addition to the Festival Band, three Pittsburgh area community bands will be performing: the East Winds Symphonic Band, founding band of the festival, Community Band South and the Pine Creek Community Band.

The festival will be held at the Upper St. Clair Middle School Theater, which is located in the Upper St. Clair Boyce Middle School, 1500 Boyce Road, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15241. Theater doors open at 1:45 p.m. and admission is free.

WQED-FM’s Jim Cunningham also returns this year as the program host. Festivalgoers are invited to enjoy free light refreshments after the concert as well as having an opportunity to meet and greet the musicians 

For more information about the Three Rivers Community Band Festival, visit the web site at www.ewsb.org/festival.