Gold Country Band
Board of Directors and Officers (2021-2022)
President: Sandy Strautman s_strautman@att.net
Vice President: Greg Hussa
Secretary: Jeanie Thurston
Treasurer: Mark Rose Preston
Member at Large: Mark Meeker
Membership Coordinator: Jan Muff
Director: Dave Machado dlm1126@starstream.net
Staff Positions (2021 - 2022)
Conductors/Arrangers: Dave Machado and Sandy Strautman
Facility Coordinator: Harriet White
Singer Scheduler: Harriet White
Sunshine: Jan Muff
Photographer: Jan Muff
Roster: Dave Machado
Music Printer: Diane Dixon-Johnson
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The Gold Country Band performs and provides musical experiences at various senior facilities from Auburn to Roseville to Lincoln.
The Auburn-based Band began in 1985 as a class for seniors through the Placer School for Adults. The 14-person group was led by a piano player, and the members played kazoos and rhythm and various noise-making instruments. The group was affectionately called “Wanda’s Kitchen Band.” Fast forward through the years . . . the Band’s roster now includes all concert band instruments plus a banjo, bass ukulele, mandolin, piano and vocal soloists.
The Band has about 25 members, all friendly people who enjoy afulfilling music-making environment. The instrumentalists and singers come from many communities including Greenwood, Auburn, Meadow Vista, Grass Valley, Newcastle, Loomis, Rocklin, Roseville, Lincoln, Sacramento and Elverta. Each person brings something special to the Band.
The Band’s rehearsals and performances are on Monday mornings. All instruments and ages are welcome. If you are interested in playing with the Band, please call 916-223-6944 or e-mail ahead so that music can be prepared for you.
Dave Machado is the music arranger, conductor and announcer. Dave says “Music selections are focused on our senior audience; therefore, almost all songs predate the 1970s, and are happy, optimistic tunes. We are trying to bring some joy into the life of residents in a convalescent hospital or retirement home. We play musical standards that we hope bring back fond memories, for the benefit of our band members and the audience. Our mission is to share the gift of music.”
