Mission & Staff

BBBC Mission

“To bring joy, understanding and inspiration through the power of music”

Board of Directors

  • Sue Birch Reinoehl- Chair
  • Ted Tolcher - Vice Chair
  • Douglas Riggs - Immediate Past Chair
  • Kyle Labrecque - Secretary
  • Tyler Ewen - Treasurer
  • Kay E. Kossen - Director
  • John J.H. Schwarz, MD - Director

Founding Directors and Staff

  • William and James Gray, Founding Directors
  • Jerry Rose, Executive Director
  • Samantha Meyer, Office Manager

William and James Gray, Founding Directors

Jim and Bill Gray founded the Brass Band of Battle Creek in 1989 and over the next 32 years have used their unique blend of promotional, managerial, and musical talent to establish the band as a world leader in the brass band genre. Although Bill and Jim both trained professionally and practiced as podiatrists, the love for music instilled in them by their family led them to stay involved as leaders in their local music community. After a unique series of volunteer opportunities allowed them to develop relationships with some of the nation’s finest brass players, the brothers decided to form a professional group based in Battle Creek.

The Brass Band of Battle Creek was born, and the word of the positive and musically-challenging atmosphere promoted by the Grays quickly spread among fine brass players worldwide- many of whom recruited other fine players to join the group. The positive philosophy and hard work of the Gray brothers continues to drive the success of the Brass Band of Battle Creek to this day as they take a primary role in the production of concerts and other events.


Jerry Rose, Education Director

Jerry Rose was hired as the Brass Band of Battle Creek’s Education Director in September 2020 after a successful 33-year career as a music educator and band director. He taught in the Michigan school districts of Pennfield, Coldwater and Charlotte where his bands earned over seventy division one ratings at MSBOA festivals and numerous other awards and honors. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Olivet College in 1986 and his Master of Music Education degree from VanderCook College of Music in 1993. He is a low brass specialist, and performed as a tubist in the BBBC for the first five years of its existence. Jerry’s passion for music education is a driving force behind the current BBBC Education Initiative as he continues to design, implement, and adapt the education program to meet the needs of local students, music programs, and the greater Battle Creek community.


Samantha Meyer, Office Manager

Samantha was hired as the Brass Band of Battle Creek’s Office Manager in May 2023. Since discovering the band upon moving to Battle Creek in 2019, Samantha has not missed a concert and is thrilled at the opportunity to work for the organization. Prior to joining the BBBC, Samantha has had a varied career, working in banking, natural groceries, and bakeries.

Having managed multiple independent businesses in both front and back of the house, Samantha is experienced at keeping an organization running smoothly. Happy to handle whatever arises, Samantha thrives on fostering a positive and welcoming environment and is so excited to be working in the community with the Brass Band of Battle Creek.