How We Began
The Comal Community Band, organized in 1981, operates as a volunteer, non-profit organization. The band's musicians offer their musical talents and skills to provide live music for the community, area, festival events, and to promote and support the arts in New Braunfels, Texas.
The group was originally organized by Larry Correll, a former Canyon High School band director, in conjunction with the Comal Independent School District's Community Education Program.
The New Braunfels City Council, as a part of the 750th anniversary of the founding of Braunfels, Germany in 1996, designated the Comal Community Band as the official musical band of this area. Sixty-five members of the band traveled to Europe to perform for the celebration.
The group was originally organized by Larry Correll, a former Canyon High School band director, in conjunction with the Comal Independent School District's Community Education Program.
The New Braunfels City Council, as a part of the 750th anniversary of the founding of Braunfels, Germany in 1996, designated the Comal Community Band as the official musical band of this area. Sixty-five members of the band traveled to Europe to perform for the celebration.
Who We Are
Al Tapia
Our Conductor
Al, as his friends call him, is a native of San Antonio. He grew up there, but decided, at an early age to seek adventure as an Army musician. He later went on to achieve his goal of becoming a Bandmaster. As a Bandmaster he had the opportunity to serve two tours in Germany, first in Berlin and later in Wurzburg.
It was there where he developed his passion for the music of Germany and its proper performance. He has also conducted bands in Vietnam, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, the German Democratic Republic, France and Morocco. He retired from the Army in 1984 and returned to San Antonio.
He has attended Texas A & I University, Saint Mary's University, Cameron University, the U S Army Bandmaster Course of Instruction and Kneller Hall, the Royal Military School of Music.
He is an active musician in the San Antonio area, a member of many community bands, teaches privately, is the conductor of the Beethoven Concert Band, and is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association.
It was there where he developed his passion for the music of Germany and its proper performance. He has also conducted bands in Vietnam, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, the German Democratic Republic, France and Morocco. He retired from the Army in 1984 and returned to San Antonio.
He has attended Texas A & I University, Saint Mary's University, Cameron University, the U S Army Bandmaster Course of Instruction and Kneller Hall, the Royal Military School of Music.
He is an active musician in the San Antonio area, a member of many community bands, teaches privately, is the conductor of the Beethoven Concert Band, and is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association.
