The Chemical City Band (CCB) closed its 117th season with a concert on Wednesday, July 22 at the Nicholson-Guenther Community Band shell in Midland's Central Park. While our final concert was sunny and warm, the weather this summer was challenging. Three of seven concerts were played in Central Auditorium due to rain, heat index, or smoke. The first performance in June, directed by a guest conductor Sarah Braun, was cut short with rain scattering the band and audience.
A special afternoon performance on July 4 was given in conjunction with festivities outside the Dow Diamond in celebration of America's 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Gretchen Shope, currently appearing on stage for the SUFFS National Tour, sang the Star-Spangled Banner a cappella and God Bless America with band accompaniment.
Emma Longoria was the featured vocal soloist on July 12, performing excerpts from the musical The Sound of Music. Our last concert hosted the Midland Saxophone Quartet who performed several pieces during the intermission and two more in the second half with the CCB.
Two drum shells were available during regular concerts for donations of cash, coin, or check. Performances averaged 49 players per week, drawn from a roster of 86 musicians. 11 members played all 7 concerts at the park (3 played 8 including July 4). Approximately 75 pieces of music were rehearsed. 27 high school and college players participated at least one week, including 7 family groups (spouses, parent/student, and grandparent/grandchild).
The CCB has a 6 member Board of Directors who are also performing members of the band:
Richard S. Harner, president
Susan M. Gessford, vice-president
Andrew Reed, secretary
James Lile, treasurer
Elizabeth Thomas, publicity director
Stephen E. DeRees, music director
Three board directors also serve in paid CCB staff positions. Sue Gessford is the personnel manager and Beth Thomas is the librarian. Steve DeRees served as band conductor for over 10 years, stepping down from that position at the end of this season. He will continue to serve on the CCB board as we schedule guest conductors for the 2027 season. The first concert will be held at the band shell on June 16, 2027.
In addition to contributions from the general public, the Board would like to acknowledge financial support from the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation and the Alden and Vada Dow Family Foundation. The CCB also participated in the Give Local Midland one-day fundraiser sponsored be the Midland Area Community Foundation (MACF). Without this local support, the CCB would not be viable.
Contributions to the CCB endowment fund, administered by the MACF, can be made at any time by indicating the Chemical City Band long term investment fund #545. Any income in excess of expenses is deposited in the MACF fund with the goal of self-sufficiency in the future.
2026 Musician Roster
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