LAS GALLINAS VALLEY SANITARY DISTRICT
NON-MARCHING BAND
WHO IS THE SEWER BAND?
The Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District Non-Marching Band was formed in 1957 by Joseph Curatilo, Director of Music for the Dixie School District, and 6 other residents of San Rafael. Their common denominator was the connection of their homes to the same sewer district. One member was handicapped and unable to march so the band used a flatbed truck for parades and still does. Two of the original members still play regularly.
The "Sewer Band," as they're affectionately know here in Marin, performs throughout the year, but the highlight of their season is their free Holiday and Spring Concerts that they present every year. Currently performing at Angelico Hall in San Rafael.
The Band also performs during the year at such events as the Marin County Fair, the San Rafael Farmer's Market, the Golden Gate Park Band Festival, Corte Madera's Piccolo Pavilion and various holiday parades. They've even been seen entertaining the commuters on the Larkspur Ferry!
There is no charge to hear this fantastic band . . . ever! But any gratuities, in addition to corporate and private donations, help the band with the cost of presenting these free and fun concerts.
The LGVSDNMB performs for its own enjoyment as much as that of Marin County residents. They're a non-profit tax-exempt organization seeking to provide an outlet for Bay Area musicians plus stimulate enthusiasm for the arts locally.
Interested musicians are invited to attend a rehearsal any Monday night during the school year. Present strength is about 75 members, aged 18 to 90!
JOIN THE BAND!
The Sewer Band rehearses on Monday nights (excluding holidays) at the Miller Creek Middle School Band Room, 2255 Las Gallinas Ave., San Rafael. Practices begin at 7:15 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. Rehearsal ends at 9:15 p.m. Bring your instruments and join us!
Please contact us on our submission form for more information on the band.
MEET OUR CONDUCTOR
Julio Reyes started his musical training on the classical guitar at the age of 5 and by the time he was 18, learned the cello, electric bass, and was appointed Assistant Conductor to a young Kent Nagano for the Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra.
He gave his guitar recital debut at the age of 12, placed 4th in an International Agustin Barrios Competition in Mexico City at age 13, and gave a 3-week concert tour of Paraguay the following year. He performed Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez” with Calvin Simmons and the Oakland Symphony Orchestra as a senior in High School.
Since then, he has conducted youth and adult orchestras in the US, Europe, South America, and Cuba. He conducted Prince Albert of Monaco’s private orchestra in the opera, “Fay Yen Fah” at the Monaco Opera in 2010. He made his Carnegie Hall debut as a winner in the “Progressive Musicians” competition in February of 2022.
He has been an educator for many years and has given lectures and masterclasses on the life and music of Agustin Barrios at various conservatories of music, colleges, and guitar societies in the US, South America, and Canada.
He is excited to be working for the education department of the Santa Rosa Symphony in their “Simply Strings” and “Summer Music Academy” programs. In September of 2023, he was named Conductor of the Aspirante Youth Orchestra for the Santa Rosa Symphony and was invited to record a guitar concerto with the Martinu Symphony in Zlin, Czechia in May 2024.
Proud Member of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce
