The Cereal City Concert Band
Founded in 1987 by 14 employees of the Federal Center in Battle Creek, MI the Cereal City Concert Band was originally styled as “Uncle Sam’s Band”, and primarily performed for functions supporting the work of the Federal Center and local military events. In its nearly 40 years of existence the Cereal City Concert Band has maintained its ties to the local military base, annually performing at the Fort Custer National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony, as well as other military recognition events, and performs a series of concerts throughout the year. As the leading community concert band in the greater-Battle Creek area of Southwest Michigan, this auditioned ensemble of approximately 50 amateur musicians presents a series of annual concerts and exists to provide the community with quality band music and performances; to further cultural growth; to enhance military and cultural events around Calhoun County; to stimulate a continuing interest in post-secondary school instrumental music; and to foster the adult band movement in Southwest Michigan.
Participated:
2025
Country:
USA
Conductor: Dr. Stephen G. White
Dr. Stephen G. White is a professional music educator, conductor and church musician with academic degrees from Florida State University (PhD in Music Education), Northwestern University (Master of Music), and Michigan State University (Bachelor of Music).
Dr. White has held appointments as a secondary and university music education faculty member, has served various churches as organist and choirmaster throughout the Midwest, South and Southwest, and currently serves as Director of Music & Organist at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Battle Creek, MI. He maintains an active schedule as a freelance musician, organ recitalist, and adjudicator/consultant for the Michigan Competing Band Association (MCBA) and Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association (MSBOA). Additionally, he maintains active memberships in the American Guild of Organists, the Association of Anglican Musicians, and the American Choral Directors Association.
Dr. White’s primary teachers include John Paynter and James Croft for Wind Conducting; Clifford Madsen and Bennett Reimer for Music Education; Corliss Arnold, Wolfgang Rübsam, and Michael Corzine for Organ; and Andre Thomas and Rodney Eichenberger for Choral Conducting.