THE STORY OF THE FCCB
THEN...
The Ferndale Community Concert Band (FCCB) was founded in February 2015, following a 2014 survey by the Ferndale Arts & Cultural Commission (FACC) asking residents how art should be part of the community and which genres they preferred. Visual and Performing Arts and Art in the Park ranked highest, prompting Commission members Tim Brennan and Sharon Chess to focus the search. A second survey asked residents to choose between a community orchestra or band — the band won by a single vote.
Tim and Sharon, with guidance from retired Cass Tech orchestra director Marc Haas, began planning the band’s formation. In early 2015, Rachel Akers joined to manage email, website, social media, and other outreach to recruit musicians. Word quickly spread among local players, tapping into a deep pool of talent eager to make music together.
The first rehearsal drew such a large turnout that we ran out of chairs, and our debut concert featured nearly 60 players. With the support of former Ferndale High School Principal Roger Smith and Director of Bands Elon Jamison, we were able to use the school’s facilities for rehearsals and concerts. Mr. Jamison has also served as guest conductor when Mr. Quick was unavailable.
Despite limited time playing together, the FCCB quickly developed a polished sound, thanks to members ranging from collegiate marching band alumni to recent graduates, amateurs, and professionals. By the end of our first year, the band had built a devoted following and established itself as a welcoming musical home for players of all ages and skill levels, united by a shared love of performance. The 2015–2016 inaugural season was a great success, featuring collaborations with notable guest artists: Carlos Whitlow and Generation Praise, award-winning Detroit gospel group; Pette Moore, bass/baritone with the Michigan Opera; Damien Crutcher, Director of the Farmington Community Band; and Ava Ordman, Professor of Trombone at Michigan State University.
AND NOW
Celebrating 10 Years & Beyond
Ten years after its founding, the Ferndale Community Concert Band has grown into a vibrant ensemble of nearly 80 musicians ranging in age from 15 to 84, representing 44 different zip codes. Since its first performance on June 23, 2015 with 64 musicians, the band has welcomed 331 members from 72 zip codes, performed 46 concerts in eight different venues, and presented 322 total compositions. Along the way, we’ve hosted 21 guest artists, 13 guest conductors, and audiences from 84 different locales.
Our 10th anniversary season reached its pinnacle on March 30, 2025, when we took the stage at Detroit’s iconic Orchestra Hall to present a free concert. Known as one of the world’s premier venues for on-stage acoustics, Orchestra Hall allowed musicians to hear each other with unmatched clarity—every instrument, every voice, perfectly balanced in the room. For our members, it was a momentous occasion; this historic stage has hosted legends such as Aretha Franklin, Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Under the baton of Conductor Ed Quick, and with co-founder, Tim Brennan, conducting Ian Lester’s Migration Concerto featuring euphonium soloist Dr. Robert Benton, the program showcased works by composers including Richard Strauss (Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare), Florence Price (Adoration), Omar Thomas (Caribana Afterparty), Camille Saint-Saëns (Pas Redoublé), Andrew David Perkins (Tuebor Suite), and selections from The Sound of Music.
The physical and acoustic beauty of the hall was remarkably surpassed by the enthusiasm and warmth of the audience of roughly 1000, who responded with boisterous cheers and extended ovations. Our performance was both a thank you to the community for a decade of support and a testament to the diversity, skill, and camaraderie of our band.
Click to listen to our 10th Anniversary Concert at Orchestra Hall
While Orchestra Hall was an unforgettable highlight, our commitment to performing for the community continues. FCCB presents at least five concerts annually at the Ferndale High School Auditorium, as well as performances in other beloved spaces such as Martin Road Park and on Belle Isle with MoBig. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we’ve been honored to receive support from 532 individual donors over our history. We’re excited to build on our anniversary momentum, continuing to grow our audience and bring our music to more communities across the city and region.
If you’d like to join the FCCB, contact us through the “Contact Us” tab for a membership application—we look forward to playing with you!
