Community Concert Band for People
5o years and older

Prime Time Band is a California nonprofit corporation located in Santa Barbara, California. The band's mission is presenting free concerts for the Greater Santa Barbara community. Since its inception in 1995, it has performed over 100 free concerts and was declared a "Santa Barbara Treasure." The primary requirement for joining the band is that members must be in the year of their 50th birthday - or older - in order to join.

The band is directed by Jeffrey Peterson and is composed of about 80 musicians. It performs 3 concerts per year. The two primary concerts are in June and December at San Marcos High School Auditorium. During the summer months, a concert is held at an area park.

In addition, a "Pops" band, is conducted by former band conductor, J. B. Vander Ark. This band is a small band, composed of volunteers from the main band. They play at smaller venues, such as retirement facilities, 3 - 5 times a year.

The Prime Time Band became incorporated in July 1999 as a 501(c)3 organization . Participants pay monthly fees (on a quarterly basis) that support the costs of professional leadership and other expenses associated with maintaining a concert band. Additionally, donations and grants from the Santa Barbara Foundation and the Andrew H. Burnett Foundation have provided capital items and Master Classes for both bands.

The Prime Time Band is also an affiliate of over 170 bands that belong to the New Horizons International Music Association located throughout the USA, Canada and Australia.

The Prime Time Band was begun and first conducted by J.B. Vander Ark, a former instrumental music instructor and band director at La Colina Junior High School for over 30 years. Mr. Vander Ark (Van) led the band from 1995 until 2005 when he retired. He now enjoys playing with the band when he's in town. As mentioned before, Van now conducts the new "Pops" Band.

Jeffrey Peterson, instrumental music teacher and band director at Goleta Valley Jr. High, has directed the band since Van retired.