Cereal City Concert Band

  The Cereal City Concert Band is a small all-volunteer, non-profit organization which consists of approximately 50 members, ranging from the ages of 16 to 85.
   The ensemble is comprised of musicians from the Battle Creek community and its surrounding areas. The origin of this group was derived from a government agency Quality Circles Change Initiative, recommending that a Federal Center band be organized to play for internal Federal Center functions.
   The group was started in December 1987 by fourteen employees from various government agencies within the Battle Creek Federal Center, playing simple Christmas Carols at lunchtime. The band grew and became known as Uncle Sam’s Band.
   The original band played some 26 engagements their first year together, including Charge of Command ceremonies, retirements, picnics, and lunchtime concerts for special occasions such as Veteran's Day. They also collaborated with the local Toastmasters Club , providing special performances for the Battle Creek Public School System elementary schools.

  After four years, in July 1992, the agency commanders determined that they could no longer support Uncle Sam's Band, so the band reorganized as a 501(c)3 tax exempt (non-profit) organization, complete with a board of directors and band by-laws, and changed its name to the Battle Creek Band Company, focusing on Battle Creek community service events.
  In January 1998, the band reorganized again, calling itself the Cereal City Winds, eventually changing the name to the present Cereal City Concert Band (CCCB).

  Over the years, the leadership of the band changed as well. It was originally directed by Paul Reid, followed by Dick Day, Gretchen Struble, Jennifer Culler, Ed Zentera, Dr. Jeananne Nichols, Dr. Samuel McIlhagga, and Darin Schmidt.

  With the departure of Darin, the 2017 season welcomes our new conductor, Dr. Stephen White, who is a music educator, accomplished organist and skilled conductor. We look forward to our partnership with Stephen and to an exciting new season!

  Performances for the year include a combination of both formal concerts and community service events, such as:
 Armed Forces Day Luncheon.
 Memorial Day Ceremony.
 Lakeside Concert at Gull Lake.
 Fantasy Forest Concert at Leila Arboretum.
 Concert in the Park for residents at Heritage Assisted Living Community.


  Grant applications throughout the years resulted in support from The Miller Foundation, Binda Foundation, Arts & Industry Council, Feldpausch Foundation, Women Who Care, Battle Creek Community Foundation, Marshall Community Foundation, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Support is also provided by many business and individual donors.