Come Be Inspired!

Founded in October 1993, the band was conceived as an organization that would provide an outlet for the many amateur and retired professional musicians in the Fresno area.  The band now boasts 80 players representing a wide range of age and occupation, and all are former high school or college band members.  Besides this performance opportunity, the band’s mission is to provide a musical, educational and recreational advantage to the people of Fresno and surrounding area by sustaining the American tradition of the concert band, performing the best in classical and pops band literature.  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. 

Robert Nielsen and Larry Huck served as Co-Conductors of the band from its inception until 2003 when Mr. Huck retired. Robert Nielsen remained as sole conductor, and upon announcing his retirement in May 2017, he was joined by newly appointed Associate Conductors Sandy Headrick and Bruce Weinberger.  After his final concert in May 2018, they became Co-Conductors. Bruce Weinberger has now taken the baton as sole conductor.

The band’s first performance on February 3, 1994 was in the Fresno City College Theatre. It has since expanded its performances to six pairs of concerts each season in both the FCC Theatre and Shaghoian Concert Hall and has also performed in the Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts, at the California Music Educators Convention, Civil War Reenactment, CSU, Fresno Wind Festival, Sacramento Band Festival and for broadcasts by MediaOne.  The band has also played outreach concerts in Merced, Kingsburg, Selma and Caruthers and special concerts in the Rotary Amphitheatre in Woodward Park.  

The band is governed by a Board of Directors. The first President was Paul W. Heath, Vice-President of Murphy Bank, who now serves as the band's Treasurer. Jan Goyette is our current President.  All administrative duties are performed by Band Manager, Michael Bonner, as well as board and 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. Starting in the 26th season, Patrick’s Music has joined as a sponsor. Additional support comes from individuals, businesses and band members themselves. The band is thankful for the continued support!