When Douglass Bratt was hired at Moraine Valley Community College in 2002, he was tasked with rebuilding the concert band. He had never conducted one before and started with less than 20 musicians. Twenty years later, the band has more than tripled in size and advanced greatly in skill.
For several years, the Southwest Community Concert Band held residence at Moraine Valley. When they ended their residence, Bratt, professor of music and coordinator of Academic Music, had to create a band that was open to student registration and community participation. He had a small budget to purchase instruments and music. He also tapped into his contact list of area band directors for suggestions on music repertoire and necessary instruments.
“I did my best to stretch the money and buy enough music to get us off the ground. The [band] class was created and on the books for fall 2005 at the same day of the week and time it still is to this day. It still only costs $25 and students can get credit,” Bratt explained.
That first band had 17 members [including six flautists and three clarinetists], two of whom are still with the group, and the concert featured 12 tunes. Having never been a band conductor, Bratt took conducting lessons with his previous professors and enrolled in classes to help him develop this skill over the next decade.
The COVID-19 pandemic reduced the size of the band to its original numbers with social distancing in place between players during practices; percussionists did not participate until the concert date. In-person rehearsals with band members helped the group continue their work on intonation, or accuracy of pitch. Today, the group has grown to nearly 70 members, including a rare seven tubas, and the best balance of instrumentation in the band’s history. Some members even started as students, transferred to different schools or took time off and eventually returned to the group. “I tell people they’re always welcome,” Bratt said.
The skill level of the band has amplified over the years, making it increasingly attractive for musically trained members. However, it is still a group for everyone. “From a performance standpoint, at some time the band attracted people with backgrounds in music. That was a good sign that the skill level was improving,” Bratt said. “The most important part of my job is the repertoire. We have mixed abilities in all three of the groups I conduct. Most play really well, there’s a middle pack of good musicians who didn’t major in music and then a core group of beginners. I have to try to find music that isn’t too hard but keeps everyone engaged in the group. Most members don’t play regularly anymore, so I have to consider their endurance as well for a nearly two-hour concert.”
The best part of this kind of blended ensemble is the family-like atmosphere it has become. “I feel people have grown to really look forward to being in the concert band. People socialize before and after rehearsal, which is great. I’m happy they’re happy to see each other,” Bratt said. “I love the combined group of community musicians and students. Most of my players don’t have to be there. If it’s not engaging and fun, they won’t come. It’s about the people and community, the music comes second.”
“I keep coming back because playing is my therapy. I have a high-stress job, and it doesn’t matter what sort of day I’m having, after my two hours of playing, everything is right with the world,” said flautist and oboist Jessica Brandau-Heppe, an original and current band member.
“I joined because my mom died and I was taking care of her and needed something to occupy my life. The band is truly a family, and I feel guilty to miss a rehearsal,” said flautist Maureen Gillen, an original and current band member. “I enjoy the friendships with members of different age groups. We blend together seamlessly.”
The concert band started their 20th anniversary celebration with a performance on Nov. 21 and will continue with two more shows in 2025 on March 2 and May 4. For more information, or to purchase tickets to future band concerts or other Moraine Valley Fine and Performing Arts Center shows, visit morainevalley.edu/fpac/tickets or call (708) 974-5500.
For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley communications specialist and sports information coordinator, at (708) 974-5742 or Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.
