About Us

A musical experience for the whole community

The Kalamazoo Concert Band (KCB) is a non-proﬁt musical organization, providing four, free indoor concerts in Kalamazoo between October and April, and an outdoor summer series, also free to the public, in various locations. KCB consists of musicians, ages 19-86, who use this ensemble to express their love of music, dedicated to musical excellence and musical education for the entire community.

Free concerts

Autumn

Holiday

Winter

Spring

Summer Series

Youth Soloist Competition

Small Group Appearances

Beginnings

Founded in 1961 by Jerome Mandel of Kalamazoo Central High School, the Kalamazoo Concert Band has a long history of excellent and varied performances and conductors, with both permanent and guest directors. The KCB was created to provide performers – student, adult amateur, and professional instrumentalists – a place to be part of a performing ensemble. The band provides entertainment for the community four times each year.

Leadership

Many different conductors took the podium in those early years following Jerome Mandel. Bill Root, former band director in Vicksburg, drove weekly from Big Rapids to conduct, often bringing Ferris State students to improve instrumentation. Doug Scripps, of Grand Rapids, brought excellent music direction to the KCB for the next several years, replaced by Carl Bjerregaard, director of bands at Western MI University.

In 1970, when Martin Obed joined the KCB in the trombone section, he also went to work for the Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC). It was through his relationship with both KVCC and the KCB that they intertwined, providing KVCC students an ensemble in which they could perform and the KCB a beautiful auditorium where they could provide their concerts. Martin Obed would become the Assistant Conductor of the KCB when Richard Swinsick took over the podium as KCB conductor in 1976. Martin Obed was instrumental in his role as assistant conductor in supporting the band throughout the next two decades, remaining in that position until 2002.

Forming Traditions

Richard Swinsick enjoyed a 25-year tenure as the conductor and music director for the KCB. Beginning in 1976, he expanded the presence and scope of its performances. His vision of the KCB as more than just a “small town band,” led to many incredible opportunities for the Kalamazoo community, often to hear such renowned performers as Rosemary Clooney, Tony Bennett, Glen Campbell, Judy Collins, and so many more. The free concert of these famous performers, in collaboration with the Kalamazoo Concert Band, became the highlight of the year for many people and the holiday performances moved in 1990 to Miller Auditorium at Western Michigan University to accommodate the large audiences. The tradition of guest performers for the Holiday Concert has continued for 40 years!