The Birmingham Concert Band is an acknowledged leader among community bands in the state of Michigan. The band has entertained audiences by performing the best literature for concert bands and featuring guest artists of stature, in addition to providing a creative outlet for area musicians.

 

Membership will be open to all adults with previous instrumental ensemble experience and all performers who play a concert band instrument are welcome. There is no audition required, but there is a three rehearsal tryout period required before acceptance as a full time BCB member. All Band members are expected to participate in performances and have their music prepared prior to performances.  Experienced musicians are always welcome in all sections including string bass.

 

BCB - How it All Got Started

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The Birmingham Community Band was founded back in 1977 by Community & Business Leaders with grants from the City of Birmingham.  The story goes that several businessmen and leaders were having coffee at Machus Restaurant following the annual city Michigan Week Parade and decided Birmingham needed a band of their own  Dave Falvay, an insurance business owner, was the musician in the group that made it all happen and became the first President of the band.

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Don Hillman, the acting musical director at Seaholm High School, was hired and rehearsals started at Seaholm in the summer of 1977 on Wednesday nights 7:30 - 9:30.  The band’s first concert was at Shain Park on August 21, 1977. (See attached program!)

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Also, Dave Falvay formed the Straw Hat Band, now known as the BCBE, with the purpose of raising money in the community for student scholarships to Interlochen.  The first student scholarships were awarded in 1979.
 

For further information please email us at bcbinfo@birminghamconcertband.com or call 313-737-7662.

 

Support the Birmingham Concert Band.
Two ways to donate: mail to Post Office Box 335,
Birmingham, MI 48012 or by Venmo!

 

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