Motor City Brass Band Home Page

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Welcome to the Motor City Brass Band’s Home Page! This is where you can find out about the band and how you can become a part of this energetic and dynamic group.

Motor City Brass Band is Michigan’s first competitive British style brass band, annually participating in the North American Brass Band Association or US Open Championships in addition to performing a full schedule of subscription and community performances. MCBB is directed by Craig Strain who generates a strong synergy throughout the band in every musical genre. Under Craig’s skillful direction the individual talent of even the finest player is often exceeded in context of the ensemble as a whole. Craig’s most sensitive interpretations in both his arrangements and conducting has won the heart of both player and listener alike. But don’t take our word for it, come out and see for yourself! Check and see when the band’s next performances will be.

See some of MCBB's performances online!

• Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral, conducted by Leonard Slatkin. This is the thrilling massed band performance at the Motor City Festival on Bands on 14 March, 2010.
• Land of Make Believe from the Under the Big Top concert, 15 June 2008 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan
• Spirit of America performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on 2 October 2001

About Our Musical Director & Conductor

Motor City Brass Band is fortunate to have Craig Strain as its Musical Director and Conductor. Craig received a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Performance and Political Science and a Bachelor of Music Education as well as a Masters Degree in Music Composition and Trumpet from Eastern Michigan University. Following an extensive career in teaching which included high school, community college and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Craig is currently performing and arranging music, owner and operator of a 24 track digital recording studio, directing and/or leading several musical organizations.

In 1996 when this fledgling band concluded its second rehearsal one of the tuba players, a friend of Craig’s, invited him to rehearse the band. By the end of the session the affinity between the musicians and Craig was evident and he was asked to be the Musical Director and Conductor. Since then he has played a vital role in the band’s growth. There has been growth in membership and, because of Craig's understanding of the musical and technical capabilities of brass instruments and his experience as a brass performer, teacher, arranger, and conductor, he has taken Motor City Brass Band to ever higher levels of musicianship and performance.

A prolific arranger for many genres, his clients include drum and bugle corps, marching bands, brass quintets, brass bands, (many of these for Motor City Brass Band), orchestras, professional and school jazz bands, and national as well as local acts and bands. For more about Craig's arrangements and other musical organizations go to craigstrain.com.

Motor City Youth Brass Band

Under the direction of one of this area's finest band directors the Motor City Youth Brass Band is entering its second season. The Youth Band will follow in the same British brass band traditions that have made Motor City Brass Band so unique and successful. Click the MCYBB logo to the left to find out more or read the MCYBB Second Season Press Release.

MCBB gratefully acknowledges the support of its many corporate, business and individual contributors, The Oakland County Office of Arts and Culture, the MICHIGAN COUNCIL FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS and NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS.

Motor City Brass Band is a nonprofit corporation per IRS 501.c.3

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