OUR HISTORY
From a high school band room to venues throughout the region, the Charlotte Concert Band is a longstanding gem in Charlotte’s crown, contributing to the community’s rich cultural heritage.
In the summer of 1966, Jim Hall, then-director of music at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, ran an ad in the newspaper calling for fellow amateur musicians to play in a community concert band. His intent was to provide an outlet for former high school and college band members to maintain their interest in playing through an informal, stimulating and enjoyable atmosphere.
With that simple goal, there was never a thought of actually presenting a concert. However, after practicing for a while in the Myers Park High School band room, the group (called the Charlotte Community Band) realized they were onto something. They decided to showcase the fruits of their efforts and perform for the “public,” which meant family and close friends.
The band’s interest and population grew, and members realized they needed a larger, more permanent location with more resources. Gene Bryant, then-director of music at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), allowed the band to meet there. He even established band participation as a course, calling the group the CPCC Community Band. Members enrolled quarter after quarter, paying fees like any other CPCC student.
During the 1980s, the North Carolina state legislature passed regulations that community colleges could no longer allow students to retake a course more than three times. The CPCC Community Band “course” subsequently ended, and the organization searched for a new rehearsal location.
Henry Grossek, CCB director at the time, was instrumental in forging a relationship with leaders at Queens College (now Queens University), who graciously allowed the band to use the school’s performance hall, Dana Auditorium. As part of the relationship, Queens University students were welcome to perform in the band each semester for academic credit. Through this amazing partnership, the CCB benefitted from a wonderful talent base, and students received the opportunity to play challenging repertoire in a large ensemble. It’s a melodious match.
Don Morris, CCB director from 1998 to 2012, advanced the group’s musicality and functionality. He helped establish the group’s first board of directors when the band became a 501c3 in 2010 and initiated its first website.
Drew Carter was named CCB’s director in 2012 and also elevated the group’s musicality.
Dana Auditorium’s doors closed in 2018. However, other performance venue doors opened at Pritchard in South End, which CCB calls home today.
Since 1966, the Charlotte Concert Band has delighted audiences at festivals, churches, senior care homes and other regional venues. Members twice performed for the North Carolina Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference, most recently in 2015, as part of the CCB’s 50th anniversary season. Hundreds of musicians have performed thousands of pieces throughout the years.
In the summer of 1966, Jim Hall, then-director of music at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, ran an ad in the newspaper calling for fellow amateur musicians to play in a community concert band. His intent was to provide an outlet for former high school and college band members to maintain their interest in playing through an informal, stimulating and enjoyable atmosphere.
With that simple goal, there was never a thought of actually presenting a concert. However, after practicing for a while in the Myers Park High School band room, the group (called the Charlotte Community Band) realized they were onto something. They decided to showcase the fruits of their efforts and perform for the “public,” which meant family and close friends.
The band’s interest and population grew, and members realized they needed a larger, more permanent location with more resources. Gene Bryant, then-director of music at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), allowed the band to meet there. He even established band participation as a course, calling the group the CPCC Community Band. Members enrolled quarter after quarter, paying fees like any other CPCC student.
During the 1980s, the North Carolina state legislature passed regulations that community colleges could no longer allow students to retake a course more than three times. The CPCC Community Band “course” subsequently ended, and the organization searched for a new rehearsal location.
Henry Grossek, CCB director at the time, was instrumental in forging a relationship with leaders at Queens College (now Queens University), who graciously allowed the band to use the school’s performance hall, Dana Auditorium. As part of the relationship, Queens University students were welcome to perform in the band each semester for academic credit. Through this amazing partnership, the CCB benefitted from a wonderful talent base, and students received the opportunity to play challenging repertoire in a large ensemble. It’s a melodious match.
Don Morris, CCB director from 1998 to 2012, advanced the group’s musicality and functionality. He helped establish the group’s first board of directors when the band became a 501c3 in 2010 and initiated its first website.
Drew Carter was named CCB’s director in 2012 and also elevated the group’s musicality.
Dana Auditorium’s doors closed in 2018. However, other performance venue doors opened at Pritchard in South End, which CCB calls home today.
Since 1966, the Charlotte Concert Band has delighted audiences at festivals, churches, senior care homes and other regional venues. Members twice performed for the North Carolina Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference, most recently in 2015, as part of the CCB’s 50th anniversary season. Hundreds of musicians have performed thousands of pieces throughout the years.
