The Fresno Community Concert Band was founded in October 1993 after a yearlong planning process by its organizers. Conceived as an organization that would provide an outlet for the many amateur and retired professional musicians in that area, the band now boasts 80 players representing a wide range of age and occupation. All are former high school or college band members.

The band's mission, besides providing a performance opportunity, is to perform the very best in classical and pops band literature in as many different venues as possible attracting large and diverse audiences. The Fresno Community Concert Band is unique in its mission. No other band like it exists in the area, and because of its professionalism and the dedication of its leaders and members, it will continue to present exciting concerts in the concert band tradition providing a substantial service to the community.

Robert Nielsen and Larry Huck served as Co-Conductors of the band from its

inception in 1993 until 2003 when Mr. Huck retired. Robert Nielsen remains as sole conductor. For its first performance on February 3, 1994, where both men conducted, the band played to a standing room only audience in the Fresno City College Theatre. Following this first successful concert, the band has expanded its performances each season to include concerts in The Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts, appearances at the California Music Educators Convention, Ontario, CA, the Civil War Reenactment, participation in the CSU, Fresno Wind Festival, broadcasts by MediaOne, participation in the Sacramento Band Festival and outreach concerts in neighboring communities, including concerts in Merced and Caruthers. The band has also performed special outdoor concerts in the Rotary Amphitheatre in Woodward Park in Fresno.

Having achieved non-profit status, the band is governed by an eight-member Board of Directors. The first President of the organization was Paul W. Heath, Vice-President of Murphy Bank, who now serves as the band's

Treasurer. Betty Snyder is beginning her second term as president. All administrative duties are performed by band members and other volunteers.

The Fresno Community Concert Band is generously sponsored by Murphy Bank and Fresno City College, both of which have supported the band since its inception. Additional support comes from various individuals and businesses along with band members themselves. Emotional support is provided by audience members applauding wildly at the conclusion of each concert.

Robert Nielsen, one of the founders of the Fresno Community Concert Band, served as co-conductor of the band until 2003 when, upon the retirement of Larry Huck, he was appointed sole conductor. Since the band's first concert, he has also served as its always informative and sometimes witty narrator!

Mr. Nielsen began his teaching career at Irwin Junior High (Computech) and soon moved to Reedley College conducting both concert and jazz bands and teaching Music History and Theory. He jointed the faculty at Fresno City College in 1978 teaching Music Theory, History,

Composition and Brass and served as Music Department Chair from 1989 until his retirement in 2001.

As a trumpet player, Mr. Nielsen has appeared with many bands and shows in Fresno, Reno, NV and Lake Tahoe. Orchestral work included 20 years as Principal Trumpet in the Bear Valley Music Festival Orchestra and 44 seasons with the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra, 29 of those as Principal Trumpet. He retired from the Fresno Philharmonic in 2000.

As a published composer and arranger, Mr. Nielsen's works are performed throughout the world most recently by the Philharmonie der Nationen. He has also arranged or composed works specifically for the Fresno Community Concert Band and for the CSUF

Wind Ensemble.

Mr. Nielsen was founding Music Director of Good Company Players, conductor of Fresno Community Theatre productions and for the old Fresno Opera.

Since his retirement from teaching, Mr. Nielsen continues to compose and arrange music. He also continues his love of teaching and conducting by adjudicating and serving as a part-time instructor at Fresno City College teaching Conducting, Music Appreciation and Composition.