Grand Rapids Symphonic Band

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

Founded in 1978, The Grand Rapids Symphonic Band is a premier auditioned adult community band that fosters excellence in performance, supports instrumental music as a lifelong experience, and contributes to the enrichment of cultural life in the greater Grand Rapids area. The GRSB’s mission incorporates the following objectives: 1. To provide artistically challenging and innovative band concerts. 2. To give our audiences, sponsors, and members experiences with the highest quality wind band music from a wide range of musical styles. 3. To support instrumental music education and lifelong music learning through programs including clinics, conferences, solo competitions, and outreach concerts. 4. To serve as an exemplary model in fostering the growth and development of community bands. During the GRSB’s 47 year history, the Conductors have included: Barry D. Martin, 2004-Present; Dr. John Stanley Ross, 1998-2003; Kennistan Bauman, 1988-1998; William Root, 1978-1988 (Founder). Notable historic performances of the band include the following: Michigan Music Conference, 2019 - Invitation by Audition; Red Cedar Band Festival, 2018 - Invitation by Audition; International Trumpet Guild, 2013 - Two Performances with Ten Different Internationally Known Soloists; Bands on the Grand Festival, 2013; Association of Concert Bands Annual Convention, 2010 - Invitation by Audition; Michigan Music Conference, 2007 - Invitation by Audition; Red Cedar Band Festival, 2005 - Invitation by Audition; American School Band Directors Association Annual Convention, 1996 - Invitation by Audition; Midwestern Conference on School Vocal and Instrumental Music, 1989; Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts, Every Year from 1978-2024 - Invitation by Audition. Commissioned works by the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band include: “Nightmare Variations on the Holst Suites” (consortium commission) by Michael Mikulka (GRSB presented the second public performance of this work in December 2024); “Distance Imagined” by Matthew Schoendorff, 2012; “Silver Fanfare” by Ryan Fraley, 2003; “Grand and Rapid” by David Wells, 2001; “Grand Rapids Suite” by John Zdechlik, 1990. The GRSB presents an annual series of five to six concerts in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas. Outreach concerts are also part of the concert season, and have included venues in Muskegon, Rockford, South Haven, Hudsonville, Coopersville, Allendale, and Cedar Springs. The GRSB is a diverse group of volunteer auditioned musicians including men and women of all ages and various careers. The membership is comprised of adults who want to continue playing their instruments after high school or college. The band members donate considerable time and effort throughout the year to make the GRSB a superb ensemble. Individual practice time, weekly group rehearsals, and performances put demands on the musicians’ already busy schedules. The band members understand and value the importance of lifelong learning in music and in contributing to the continuing music education of area high school students and the public. Their love of music and performing difficult music at an extremely artistic level is why the GRSB began and why it continues to flourish. To further the mission of supporting music education in the area, the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band offers free admission to students, and a reduced-price ticket for an accompanying adult. The GRSB also manages an annual Youth Soloist Competition for high school students with a $1000 scholarship towards advanced music study. An annual side by side rehearsal enables advanced students, recommended by local band directors, to gain some knowledge of playing in advanced bands and instrumental music as a lifelong experience. Every two years, the band holds a Member Soloist Competition in which the winning band member performs a solo with the band. During the past year the GRSB has established an endowment fund which enables member dues and ticket prices to be very reasonable in cost.

Grand Rapids Symphonic Band

Conductor's Bio

TBD

Additional Directors

Kent Boulton