Our History
The roots of the Tampa Community Band trace back to 1988, when it was first established by Conductor Steve Solak. Since its inception, hundreds of musicians have shared their talents within our ranks, offering concerts to retirement homes, nursing homes and community organizations.
In December 1995, Steve Solak and Ed Solomon, band manager, were featured in a newspaper article found on TampaBayTimes.com, making a call for local musicians to play their instruments. Solomon said “a lot of talent was lying dormant in the community… This talent was wanting to be rescued." Solak offered a simple, encouraging truth: "You never forget how to play your instrument."
The conductor's baton was passed to Jahn Van De Putte in August 2000, continuing to carry the principles of Tampa Community Band.
Tampa Community Band was once again featured in a November 2003 article in The Tampa Tribune. The article featured Harry Sullivan who spoke of TCB playing “Stars and Stripes Forever" and he mentioned he had played it under the direction of John Philip Sousa. He then became known as “the man who played with Sousa.” The article went on to talk TCB's youngest member at the time and how welcoming the band is to him.
In May 2019, the Tampa Community Band honored Ed Solomon with a tribute concert at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC that featured in an article on JewishPressTampa.com. It was a milestone moment, with Solomon joined by his family and friends in the audience to witness the celebration of his legacy.
Tammi Croteau took over as the current conductor in June 2025, picking up where Jahn left off.
In October 2025, Tampa Community Band members Jeanette Sung and Allen Cheek were featured on WUSF’s Florida Matters: Live & Local. They discussed the rewards of community music and TCB’s mission to welcome "comeback" players, emphasizing that the door is always open for those looking to rediscover their musical passion.
On October 26, 2025, a TCB ensemble performed for The Last Roll Call Ceremony of Remembrance at Veterans Memorial Park, an event organized by the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital and the VFW.
In January 2026, the ensemble officially incorporated as Tampa Community Band, Inc., a non-profit organization. This milestone was reached under the guidance of its founding board members: President Gerry Maffeo, Vice President Kathy Vasser, Secretary/Treasurer Jeanette Sung, and Conductor Tammi Croteau.
Today, the band is a vibrant tapestry of U.S. Military Veterans and local residents united by a shared love for live performance. TCB proudly welcomes players of all ages and skill levels—from students discovering the rewards of music for the first time, to "comeback players" rediscovering their instruments after decades away, and lifelong musicians who have never put their instruments down.