History of the Diablo Regional Concert Band
The band has a long and distinguished history:
1910
​The band began in 1910 as the Martinez Liberty Band. Rudulfo Kelley was its first director.
1919
Sabatino Beriettani became the new director, and the band's name changed to the Martinez Municipal Band.
1934
Charles Rice served as director from 1934 to 1938, when Jim Arnold took over.
1941
The United States entered World War II and the band dissolved.
1940s
Beriettani revived the Martinez Municipal Band after the war ended and remained conductor until 1955.
1955
James Olsson became the new conductor. The band changed into a marching unit and performed in community parades.
1960s
Beriettani became director of the band again. The band was renamed to the Martinez Community Band.
1980s
Del Dalbien became the director of the band and led it in concerts in the park and at special events in the summer.
Timeline information is based on this newspaper clipping [PDF].
Present
The band continues performing as the Diablo Regional Concert Band under the direction of Cora Martens.
The band performs various concerts in Contra Costa County with a focus on community functions in the Martinez and Benicia. Typical concerts each year include:
- Benicia Library Concert Series
- Memorial Day Ceremony in Benicia
- The Martinez 4th of July Parade
- Veterans Day Celebration at the Benicia VFW
June 2017
11th Annual Golden Gate Park Band Festival
December 2018
Benicia Library Winter Concert
July 2019
4th of July Parade in Martinez
December 2022
Alhambra High School Winter Concert