 |
To bring joy,
understanding and inspiration to others through the power of music
HISTORY
The 31-member Brass Band of Battle Creek
has been described as an All-Star band of the brass and percussion world's
elite, attracting great musicians from around the United States and Europe
to play two annual concerts in Battle Creek as well as a limited number of other
engagements in handpicked locations in the U.S. and abroad. Though rooted in the
British brass band tradition characterized by larger ensembles of strictly
brass and percussion, (no reed instruments or strings) the BBBC also weaves in American
elements such as jazz improvisation, pops and swing, resulting in a hybrid style
that makes the BBBC truly unique among brass bands.
 Created
in 1989 by brothers Jim and Bill Gray, podiatrists and amateur brass players from
Battle Creek, MI, the BBBC has grown to cult status in Battle Creek, where BBBC
concerts are regularly sold out and waiting lists are created weeks in advance.
Trumpet legend Doc Severinsen, who has twice appeared with the band, says of the
BBBC,"This band represents the beginnings of a new music movement in America.
It's one of the most accomplished groups I've ever worked with in
my entire career."
BBBC members come from American and European orchestras, colleges
and universities, and U.S. service bands based in Washington, D.C. Most have
impressive international solo careersThe band's rotating roster includes some
of the finest musicians in the world: Tim Morrison,
former principal trumpet for the Boston Pops, favorite soloist of composer John
Williams, and a former member of Empire Brass; Jens Lindemann , former member of the Canadian Brass and faculty member at UCLA;
Woodrow
English, trumpet
soloist for U.S. Army Band, its elite U.S. Army Band Quintet, National Symphony
Orchestra and Washington Opera, Wycliffe
Gordon, former
trombonist for Wynton Marsalis Septet and Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Juilliard
professor; Scott Hartman, trombone, Yale Brass Trio, former Empire Brass member,
renowned soloist; Steven Mead,
euphonium, internationally renowned soloist and Boosey & Hawkes
touring artist; and Dave Ratajczak, solo drummer and BBBC set drummer who also
played the part of Gene Krupa in the re-creation of the 60th anniversary performance
of Benny Goodman's Sing, Sing, Sing in Carnegie Hall.
"I have performed with some
of the greatest jazz ensembles of all time, including the Lincoln Center
Jazz Orchestra and the Wynton Marsalis Septet, and I count the Brass Band
of Battle Creek right up there with the best of them," says Wycliffe
Gordon. "When I heard the BBBC play for the first time (in 2001),
I was blown away. I couldn't believe the sound, the musicality. I always
look forward to my tours with the group."
- Wycliffe Gordon |
In addition to its all-star lineup of world-renowned
players, the BBBC has performed at several prestigious venues, including England's
Royal Albert Hall as the first non-British band to ever perform at the National
Brass Band festival there. Following this event, the band toured UK, performing
concerts in Wales, Birmingham and Manchester. The BBBC has also performed at
the International Trumpet Guild ìBrassfestî in Bloomington, IN., the International Trombone
Associationís annual world meeting in Champagne, IL., as guest artist on
the University of Kentuckyís Artist Series, and at the Interlochen Arts
Society Series. The band was the first brass band to perform on The University
of Michiganís Musical Society Series. Following the performance in the 4,200-seat
Hill Auditorium, the band set a record for CD sales in a Society sponsored event.
With a mission to bring joy, understanding and inspiration to others
through the power of music, the band enjoys generous support from the Expert
In Residence division of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Foundation grants have helped
the band launch a regular summer camp program for brass and percussion students
called Camp Avalon. The band has recorded six CDs.
|
|
