Motor City Brass Band

Craig Strain, conductor

Royal Oak, Michigan

The Motor City Brass Band is the first competition brass band in Michigan to be established in the authentic British tradition. Founded in March of 1996 by John Aren, the Motor City Brass Band has already performed in settings ranging from Detroit’s prestigious "Hob Nobble Gobble" to The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle. In the continuous pursuit of excellence, the Motor City Brass Band competes annually on the national level while maintaining a strong commitment of service to the local community. Members, according to North American Brass Band Association (NABBA) regulation, are all volunteer and amateur and playing authentic brass band instruments.

The British style brass band, relatively compact in size –25 brass and 2 percussion- with its unique instrumentation, is capable of producing a rich, dark and mellow quality throughout a full dynamic range.

Craig Strain, who brings a wealth of experience as a performer, composer/arranger and conductor to MCBB, conducts the Motor City Brass Band. Under Mr. Strain’s skillful direction, the individual talent of even the finest player is exceeded in context of the ensemble as a whole. Mr. Strain’s sensitive interpretive ability continues to win the hearts of both players and listeners alike.

2:50 - 3:30 p.m.

Program of Musical Selections

The Champions ………………………… Willcocks

Hinemoa ……………………………………… Wood

2nd Rhapsody on Negro Spirituals ……… Ball