*
banner

Jump and Jive! Battle Creek stars inspire future generations

Michael J Garasi and Brass Band of Battle Creek help inspire youngsters to have music as a central part of their lives.

Summer Camp
  The camps are part of the organisation's ambitious plans to inspire future generations of youngsters

Brass Band of Battle Creek has continued with its ambitious plans to inspire future generations of youngsters in their Michigan area.

They recently held their High School Youth Brass Band Camp, a five-day course for around 50 students aged between 13 to 18.

Ethos

With the ethos "…to mentor and inspire young people to become productive adults by sharing the joy of music", it forms part of the organisation's two-year Youth Education Initiative, which has gained $250,000 of funding from the Kellogg Foundation.

If successful, its proposal could be backed to the tune of a further $2.7 million, the benefits of which to a city area of around 53,000 people where 25% of the population is under the age of 18 and a nearly a quarter lives in poverty, could be enormous.

Jump and Jive

Led by BBBC Principal Conductor Michael J Garasi, in addition to full and part ensemble playing, the week comprised of clinic sessions on conducting, jazz improvisation and personal practice techniques.

It led to an end of course concert which included a newly-commissioned arrangement by Gail Robertson of the Louis Prima classic 'Jump, Jive and Wail' that featured jazz solos by both students and the BBBC faculty.

Middle School Camp

In addition, a Middle School Camp was also held — a three-day course for over 50 children ranging in age from 10 to 13.

Euphonium star Demondrae Thurman and BBBC Director of Education Jerry Rose shared the leadership duties, whilst a specialist staff of education specialists taught alongside them.

These courses are very much part of our ambitious outlook — inspiring future generations of youngsters to have music as a central part of their productive livesDirector of Education, Jerry Rose

Uplifting

Speaking to 4BR, Jerry Rose said: "These courses are very much part of our ambitious outlook — inspiring future generations of youngsters to have music as a central part of their productive lives.

The two courses were huge successes and we are immensely grateful to our sponsors, supports and wonderful volunteers — but most of all to all the youngsters who were part of it. It was such an uplifting experience for everyone involved."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


NYBBGB

NYBBGB concert reprise this Friday

September 18 • You can sit back and enjoy a repeat of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain's Summer Concert this Friday evening.


Future

Brass Foundations Future Leaders graduate with distinction

September 18 • The first cohort of future brass band leaders graduate from the pioneering BBE programme.


cooperation and adams

Adams and coop in percussion partnership

September 18 • Adams Percussion and the cooperation band have entered into a new percussion partnership.


Dutch

Dutch judges announced

September 18 • The adjudication panels for the Dutch National Championships have been confirmed.


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Dobcross Silver Band - Milnrow Band

Sunday 21 September • c/o Dobcross Band Club. Platt Lane. Dobcross Saddleworth OL3 5AD


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Brass Bands England - The Brass Band Conference

Saturday 27 September • Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham DH1 4BE


Haverhill Silver Band

September 17 • Haverhill Silver Band (Championship Section) seeks a FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band for the L&SC area contest, the Senior Cup, Whit Friday and beyond.


Cheltenham Silver Band

September 16 • Required:. Musical Director : Cheltenham Silver Academy Band Following the relocation of our current conductor we are looking for a progressive, passionate and dedicated individual to lead our Academy Band, and to support our continued improvement.


Chinnor Silver

September 16 • We need a Bass player (either Bb or Eb) and a percussionist to join our happy team! The band is promoted to the first section in 2026 and were also 2025 Second section National Finalists. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings in our own bandroom in Chinnor


Jonathan Pippen


Conductor, Adjudicator, Trombone Soloist & Clinician


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd