The Apex Commercial Band (ACB) is a full-year project within the Apex Arts Magnet Program promoting student autonomy and collaboration to form a unique and cohesive performance ensemble. The group began in 2020 in the midst of the pandemic and has quickly become the forward-facing musical ensemble of the Apex Arts Program.
On March 3, 2023 – the Apex Commercial Band was the first Commercial Band to be selected and perform at the Maryland Music Educators Association Conference in Baltimore. Their performance at the MMEA Conference provided educators with an opportunity to see and hear first-hand an alternative pathway of engaging students in instrumental and vocal music in the school setting.
The band’s repertoire is diverse and is selected to showcase student strengths and capabilities. Their setlists include (but are not limited to) classic rock, contemporary rock, pop, funk, soul, and rap. The ensemble has been invited to perform throughout the local community, for various conferences, and for music festivals in and beyond Maryland. Their performance at Ram’s Head in Downtown Annapolis helps to illustrate the recognition of their level of achievement and the value of providing these students with real-world music industry experiences.
The group is directed by Jennifer Rivera and David Kauffman.
