Board of Directors
- Ted Tolcher, Chair
- Sue Birch Reinoehl, Vice Chair
- Douglas Riggs, Immediate Past Chair
- Kyle Labrecque, Secretary
- Tyler Ewen, Treasurer
- Kay E. Kossen, Director
- John J.H. Schwarz, MD, Director
Founding Producers & Staff
James & William Gray, Founding Producers
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, Executive Director
Jerry Rose has been the Executive Director of the Brass Band of Battle Creek since 2024. He joined the BBBC team in 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 drives BBBC education programs as he continues to design, implement, and adapt programming to meet the needs of local students, music programs, and the greater Battle Creek community.
Benjamin Wade, Development Manager
Ben Wade joined the Brass Band of Battle Creek as Development Manager in April of 2025. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Albion College and an M.B.A. from Spring Arbor University. After nearly 18 years in biotech lab and management positions, Ben co-founded Albion Malleable Brewing Company in 2016. He serves on the boards for Walk the Beat Albion and the Greater Albion Chamber of Commerce, and is excited to put his project management and leadership background (along with his passion for music) to work for the BBBC.
Carla Rizor, Administrative Assistant
Carla Keyes Rizor is the Administrative Assistant for the Brass Band of Battle Creek, where she supports day-to-day operations with care, organization, and a strong commitment to the arts. Originally from Battle Creek, Carla returned to the area in the summer of 2024 and is proud to be part of an organization with such a rich cultural legacy. She is enjoying all that goes into making the BBBC experience so special—and getting to know the incredible people who bring it to life.