An East Bay Community Band Since 1887
In 1955 James Olsson became director and changed the band into a marching unit and they participated in community parades for the next few years. Martinez went without a band again between 1974 and 1984 when the Barlettani brothers and Richard Delucca resurrected The Martinez Community Band. Del Dolbier also directed the band from 1986 until 1992. Darlene Stetz conducted the band in the early 1990’s along with Frank Cavoto who became full director in 1994.
The name was changed to “Diablo Regional Concert Band” in 2000. After Frank’s retirement in 2009, Cora Martens diligently directed the band until 2024. Diane Klaczynski takes over the band in August 2024.
While origins of the band trace back to 1887, Rudolfo Cheli is credited with publicizing and organizing the Martinez Liberty Band in 1916. In 1918 Sabatino Barlettani became the director and changed the name to The Martinez Municipal Band. Charles Rice served as director from 1934 to 1938, and Jim Arnold from 1938 until the band was discontinued during WWII. In 1949, Babe Barlettani revived the band and became the director and re-named the band The Martinez Community Band.
