The Central Michigan Area Concert Band was formed in the summer of
1973. After meeting a few years in Mt. Pleasant under several
different directors, the band moved rehearsals to Shepherd and grew
under the baton of Claude Lemmer, who was Director of Bands at
Shepherd Public Schools. His leadership has provided the
Central Michigan Area Concert Band members a "lifelong learning"
experience as they explore a broad range of musical literature for
the concert band. Whether tackling one of the world's great marches,
a medley of old standards, a collection of contemporary show or
movie tunes, a novelty number, or a "serious" concert piece for band
of any vintage, each musician in the ensemble uses the skills he or
she has gained over years of practice and playing, as well as being
challenged to "stretch" their abilities.
The CMACB meets year round presenting 8-12 concerts. The unauditioned,
volunteer band members come from throughout the central Michigan
area, some making a round trip of 100 miles or more to attend
weekly rehearsals. The band members' ages and professions range from
students to octogenarians. The majority of members, of course, fall
somewhere in between.