Ferndale Community Concert Band

asked everyone to play the warm-up scales and almost everybody started to cry! It was an incredible ensemble of every instrument and player we needed.”

Even though the concerts are free, the attendees are usually very generous in their donations. The costs per concert are over $1,800 (which includes printing costs, recording, sound/lighting technicians and Quick’s fees). To help further with fundraising, a bake sale is held at each concert, “and we have some really good bakers!” Chess added with a smile. A local senior group, organized by Dick and JoAnn Wilcockand David Chess, helps out with the bake sale and door donations.

Another source of funds is from the Committee board members themselves. By way of example, a board member’s friend bought a $3,000 Yamaha concert drum kit, but soon afterwards she regretted the purchase. The whole set was then donated to the FCCB. At one point, a philanthropic donor, Jeffrey Chess, purchased over $12,000 worth of equipment for the band. Chess added that sometimes Quick also donates to the cost of music, if they are beyond the $450 music budget per event.

Part of the FCCB’s overall mission includes providing free concerts on Belle Isle (Sunset Point) during the summer months, at 6:30 P.M., beginning on June 21. Known as MOBIG (Music on Belle Isle Group), the program features different bands and orchestras from Southeast Michigan throughout the season. MOBIG is also involved with fundraising efforts to restore Belle Isle’s historic Remick Bandshell. This will be their second season playing there and it attracts quite an audience.

Another project which has recently developed from the original FCCB is the M-1 Jazz Collective, led by Brennan. There are 18 members rehearsing weekly, with the goal of playing for smaller public or private events such as festivals, fairs, and weddings. Currently, they perform in the common area of FHS, directly preceding the full concert.

By way of reaction to the FCCB celebrating their fifth season, Chess remarked, “When I was first helping to form the band, I figured that in five years time either we will be broken down or a great success. And we are a great success. Every year we get more and more memorable, because we get so good! Other community bands want to play with us, or they want us to play events with them, and we never miss an opportunity.” Many musicians, in fact, have come from other bands, and the FCCB’s warm and welcoming attitude helps.

I asked if they had encountered any major hurdles or disappointments over the years? Chess mentioned they had asked the City to support them: “Not financially but to put on their web site, or flyers. We are an asset! But, sadly, they won’t recognize us, and it doesn’t make any sense. Ferndale should be very, very proud of us!”

The FCCB is setting a strong, positive example to our community as a whole and providing us with excellent musical entertainment. We wish them many more years of great success! n

Euchre fundraising tournaments are typically held at 7:30 pm, on the fourth Friday of every month; $20.00 cash to play; held at The Ferndale Elks Lodge #1588: 22856 Woodward Ave, Ferndale. *Euchre tournaments and band events are currently on hold, due to health crisis.*

If you are interested in becoming a member of the FCCB, or for more information, please contact: info@fcconcertband.org. Check out their website: www.fcconcertband.org or their FaceBook page: www.facebook.com/ferndalecommunityconcertba nd. Further information on MOBIG can be found at: www.mobigmusic.org.

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