ABOUT THE CCB
History of the CCB
From a simple question asked in a Charlotte music shop in 1966 to one of the region's most beloved community ensembles — this is the story of the Charlotte Concert Band.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
Charlotte's longest running community band
The Charlotte Concert Band began in 1966, sparked by a simple question: where could local musicians perform? Jack Howren, owner of Howren's Music Co., heard it often from customers. That curiosity led to conversations with friends and, eventually, a newspaper ad placed by Jim Hall, the band's first director. The ad invited amateur musicians to come together, and the first rehearsal was held at Howren's shop on Sixth Street. Soon after, the group moved to Myers Park High School.
In its early years, the ensemble — then called the Charlotte Community Band — gathered simply for the joy of making music. But after months of rehearsals, the group realized they had something special and gave their first concert for an audience of family and close friends.
In its early years, the ensemble — then called the Charlotte Community Band — gathered simply for the joy of making music. But after months of rehearsals, the group realized they had something special and gave their first concert for an audience of family and close friends.
SIX DECADES OF MUSIC
A timeline of milestones
1966
Founded at Howren's Music Co.
Jim Hall places a newspaper ad inviting amateur musicians
to rehearse together at Howren's shop on Sixth Street.
The Charlotte Community Band is born.
1970s
A home at CPCC
Gene Bryant, Director of Music at Central Piedmont
Community College, welcomes the ensemble to campus.
The band is renamed the CPCC Concert Band and offered
as an official college course. Some devoted musicians
enrolled more than 30 times.
1990s
Queens College partnership
Director Henry Grossek establishes a partnership with
Queens College (now Queens University). The band gains
access to Dana Auditorium, and Queens students join
alongside community musicians for academic credit.
1999
Donald Morris becomes Music Director
Don Morris takes the helm as Music Director, beginning
a transformative 13-year tenure. Under his leadership
the CCB expands its ensemble, diversifies its programming,
and balances challenging repertoire with music that
welcomes players at all levels.
2009
North Carolina Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference debut
The band earns its first invitation to perform at the
North Carolina Music Educators Association Professional
Development Conference — a milestone in its artistic
development.
2011
Nonprofit status & first board of directors
Under Director Don Morris, the Charlotte Concert Band
incorporates in North Carolina, achieves nonprofit
501(c)(3) status, and forms its first board of directors —
establishing the organizational foundation that supports
the band to this day.
2012
Drew Carter becomes Music Director
Drew Carter begins his tenure as Music Director and
Principal Conductor — the longest-serving director in
CCB history. Under his leadership the ensemble deepens
its community impact and elevates its musicality,
performing for audiences across the Charlotte region.
2015
50th Anniversary Season & NCMEA return
The Charlotte Concert Band marks its 50th anniversary
season with a landmark performance at the North Carolina
Music Educators Association Professional Development
Conference — the band's second invitation and a proud
reflection of its artistic growth. The season also brought
regional media recognition with a feature in the Charlotte
Observer and a live segment on Fox 46 (WCCB), along with
the unveiling of a refreshed brand.
2018
New home at Pritchard Church
When Dana Auditorium closes for renovations, the band
relocates to Pritchard Church in South End, Charlotte —
where it continues to rehearse today.
2026
60th Anniversary Season & A Fond Farewell
The Charlotte Concert Band celebrated its 60th anniversary
season with the world premiere of High Country,
a commissioned work by renowned composer Julie Giroux —
a fitting tribute to six decades of community music in
Charlotte. The milestone season also marked the conclusion
of Drew Carter's tenure as Music Director and Principal
Conductor, closing a remarkable 14-year chapter as the
longest-serving director in CCB history.
Since 1966, the Charlotte Concert Band has performed
thousands of pieces for audiences across the Charlotte
region — from concert halls and churches to senior care
homes and civic events. Hundreds of musicians have
contributed to its sound over six decades, making the
ensemble a lasting gem in Charlotte's cultural landscape.
The story continues.
ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP
Conductors of the Charlotte Concert Band
Jim Hall
1966 – 1967
Ben McGrew
1967 – 1972
Bill Hanna
1972 – 1973
Bill Flowers
1974 – 1985
David Mills
1986 – 1989
John Harding
interim
1986 – 1993
Bill Lawing
1990 – 1993
Henry Grossek
1993 – 1995
David Evans
1995 – 1998
Donald Morris
1999 – 2012
Drew Carter
2012 – 2026
Dawn Price
2026 – present
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