Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Week 2 - June 29 Concert

The Chemical City Band will perform its second concert of the 2016 season on Wednesday, June 29 at the Nicholson-Guenther Community Band Shell in Midland's Central Park, starting at 7:30 PM.

Under the direction of our permanent conductor, Steve DeRees, the band will play the following musical selections:

136th U.S.A. Field Artillery March...........................Henry Fillmore

Abington Ridge Overture................................................Ed Huckeby

The Rowan Tree..............................................Randall D. Standridge

Paul Bunyan (A Lumberjack Rhapsody)....................Clare Hounsell

Second Suite for Military Band in F Major...................Gustav Holst
          IV. Fantasia on the "Dargason"

Intermission

Alamo March...................................Karl L. King, arr. J. Swearingen

The Right Stuff Highlights........................Bill Conti, arr. P. Jennings

The Marriage of Figaro Overture..........W.A. Mozart, arr. E. Slocum

Riders For The Flag........................John Philip Sousa, ed. F. Fennell

America, the Beautiful...................Samuel A. Ward, arr. A. Gaylord

The Star-Spangled Banner........John Stafford Smith, arr. A. Gaylord



Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Week 1 - June 22 Concert

The Chemical City Band will perform its first concert of the 2016 season on Wednesday, June 22 at the Nicholson-Guenther Community Band Shell in Midland's Central Park, starting at 7:30 PM.

Parking will be a challenge this summer due to renovation work at Central Middle School.  While that parking lot will be closed, several options are available on Collins St. towards the Midland Community Center.  The first is just off the street, while the second is "over the hill" from the band shell.  Also, the lot at Memorial Presbyterian Church is open, but is a longer walk along Rodd St.

Under the direction of our new conductor, Steve DeRees, the band will play the following selections:

Carnegie Anthem.......................................................William Owens

Nordic Sketches........................................................Pierre La Plante

Selections from "The Music Man"........Meredith Willson, arr. Lang

I've Made My Plans for the Summer.....................John Philip Sousa

The Washington Post March..................................John Philip Sousa

Intermission

On the Mall March.......................................Edwin Franko Goldman

Shepherd's Air..............................C. William Goff, arr. Jay Dawson

Motown Revue.........................................................arr. Paul Murtha
  1. I Heard it Through the Grapevine
  2. My Girl
  3. ABC

Incantations..............................................................Robert W. Smith

America, the Beautiful.......................................Katharine Lee Bates

The Star-Spangled Banner.....................................Francis Scott Key

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

2016 Season Opening Remarks

In just 2 weeks the Chemical City Band will begin its 107th season with a concert at the Nicholson-Guenther band shell in Midland's Central Park on Wednesday, June 22 @ 7:30 PM.  

The band's new music director is Steve DeRees.  He is well known around town, serving as director of music at the H. H. Dow High School.  Steve was selected from a fine list of capable candidates, many who guest conducted last season.  He accepted the position with the stipulation that he be allowed to play tuba on at least one concert this summer.  Steve becomes only the 6th permanent director in the band's long history serving the Midland community. 

Other changes in the band governing structure include the retirement of Bob Johnson from the position of president and chairman of the board of directors.  Bob held that position since the creation of the board and will be missed.  However, he will continue to play clarinet, sax, bassoon, etc. with the band on a regular basis.

Richard Harner has moved into the position of chairman and board president (and weekly blogger).  Sue Gessford joins the board of directors this year and will continue on as personnel manager and librarian.  The other board members are Dick Scott, Gaye Terwillegar, Mara Simanskey, and Steve DeRees.

The Chemical City Band is a non-profit musical organization.  Donations can be made during concerts in either of the 2 snare drums (heads removed) or sent directly to 5709 Tiffany Lane, Midland, MI 48642.  Alternatively, donations towards our long term investment fund can be made to the Midland Area Community Foundation, 76 Ashman Circle, Midland, MI 48640.  Checks should be payable to "Chemical City Band Endowment Fund #545.

Additional information including last minute updates can be found on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/chemicalcityband. Check out the youtube.com video featuring a candid interview with Steve DeRees, hosted by Mike McPeak.

Hope to see you at the first concert on June 22!