The Chemical City Band (CCB) closed its 114th season with a concert on July 26, traditionally performed at the Nicholson-Guenther Community Band Shell in Midland's Central Park. The weather was not very cooperative this year - one concert was cancelled and three others were moved (due to rain and smoke) to Central Auditorium. We wish to thank all those who attended, regardless of last minute changes to the venue.
The drum shells were available for cash contributions during each concert. We received over $400 one evening, a new record for CCB! During the 2023 season, 77 musicians performed at least 1 concert, and 15 played (or rehearsed) for all 7. Instrumentation gaps were filled by talented high school & college students, accounting for 14 of our personnel this year. Finally, we averaged 46 players each week.
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
Gaye Terwillegar, secretary
Richard L. Scott, treasurer
Mara Stewart, publicity director
Stephen E. DeRees, music director
The CCB operates with 3 paid staff positions. Sue Gessford serves as personnel manager, Beth Thomas as librarian, and Steve DeRees as band conductor. Additionally, Tom Broka was our guest conductor on July 19 and Justin Taylor was the featured trombone soloist on June 28.
In addition to contributions from the general public, the Board would like to acknowledge operating 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 fund raiser in May, sponsored by 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 our MACF fund with a goal of self-sufficiency in the future.
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| Nicholson-Guenther Community Band Shell |
2023 Roster (alphabetical by first name)
