The Motor City Brass Band (MCBB) is an ensemble unlike any other
in Michigan. The MCBB is in the great tradition of British brass
bands and is the first competition brass band in Michigan.
With a sound unique to the Detroit metropolitan area, the
Motor City Brass Band has, in the short time since its founding by
John Aren in 1996, become one of the best known and talented
volunteer ensembles in the state. Its members come from all walks of
life, with students, attorneys, doctors, and retirees on its roster
The band is conducted by Craig Strain, who strives for a homogeneous,
choir-like sound that best exploits the all-brass instrumentation.
From performing at brass band competitions throughout the Midwest to
playing for the Mayor of Detroit, the band is well on its way to
achieving its goals of introducing an ever widening audience to
the glorious sounds of the brass band and towards its pursuit of
excellence.