About Us
Our Story
Since its founding in 2006, the Holly Springs Community Band has grown from a small gathering of local musicians into a vibrant ensemble of about forty volunteer performers who share a love of concert band music and community connection. Sponsored in part by the Town of Holly Springs, the band performs several concerts each year at the Holly Springs Cultural Center, presenting programs that range from traditional band repertoire and patriotic favorites to themed concerts that celebrate culture, history, and the seasons.
Beyond the concert hall, the band enjoys being part of the broader community, and performs at local events, civic gatherings, and community celebrations. These performances allow the band to bring live music to a variety of settings and connect with audiences across Holly Springs and the surrounding area. Looking ahead to 2026, the band is excited to continue expanding its outreach and concert programming while celebrating the growing arts community in Holly Springs.
Our Mission
Our Conductor
Mark Gloden has served as Music Director and Conductor of the Holly Springs Community Band since 2015. A native of western Pennsylvania, Mark’s musical journey began early—he served as drum major of his high school band for two years before continuing his training at the Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, Virginia. He then spent four years as a Navy musician stationed in San Diego, California. Mark later earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Pennsylvania State University and a Master of Music Education degree from Ithaca College.
Mark enjoyed a long and rewarding career as a music educator, teaching general and instrumental music at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in both Miami, Florida and Wake County, North Carolina. Under his leadership, middle and high school concert, marching, and jazz bands consistently earned superior ratings at adjudications and festivals. Prior to retiring from teaching, he spent four years working with students at the Alternative Learning Center at East Wake High School.
Community bands have always been an important part of Mark’s musical life. In addition to leading the Holly Springs Community Band, he previously served for twenty years as either principal or assistant conductor of the Raleigh Concert Band and spent a year as interim conductor of the Chapel Hill–Carrboro Village Band. Over the years he has also performed with several respected ensembles, including the Cary Town Band, Raleigh Concert Band, Repasz-Elks Band in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and the State College Municipal Band in Pennsylvania.
A versatile performer, Mark’s primary instruments are saxophone and clarinet. He has appeared in pit orchestras for musical theater productions at Meredith College, NC State University, and Raleigh Little Theatre, and has performed with groups such as the Triangle Clarinet Choir, Raleigh Jazz Orchestra, Swing Street, and the Moonlighters. He also plays a pretty impressive cocktail piano. Above all, Mark believes that being involved in music can truly change your life —
Our Board of Directors
President: Debbie Dunn-Smoot
Secretary: Kathy Gloden
Treasurer: Barbara Kirkpatrick
Music Director: Mark Gloden
Personnel Mgr: Anita Hynus
Librarian: Katie Finkbiner
Equipment Mgr: Sean Lohse
Marketing: Nancy Knight