U.S. Air Force Band of Flight to appear during Association of Concert Bands Convention

MUSKEGON, MI - The U.S. Air Force Band of Flight will open the Association of Concert Bands Annual Convention in Muskegon with a performance for the community on Wednesday, May 11, 2011. The West Michigan Concert WINDS, hosts for next year's convention, are excited that this fine band has accepted their invitation to play in the venerable Frauenthal Theater. The forty-five member group is the largest single ensemble within the Band of Flight. Hailing from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio, the Concert Band, under the baton of Major R. Michael Mench, entertains hundreds of thousands each year with its dynamic performances and varied repertoire ranging from classical symphonic compositions and military marches to Broadway show tunes and popular contemporary music.

The five day convention itself will be one of the largest national conventions ever held in Muskegon. For four consecutive nights, community concert bands from around the country will entertain conventioneers and the general public with two bands each night with the WINDS closing this exciting event on Saturday evening. These concerts are made possible in part by a grant from the Community Foundation for Muskegon County.

Local community sponsors to date include The Convention and Visitors Bureau, Muskegon Community College, Baker College, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, and Nichols Paper. Dr. Dale Nesbary, MCC president, says, "Muskegon Community College is very pleased to serve as an event sponsor for the Association of Concert Bands 2011 Annual

Convention. The vibrant performing and visual arts community here and in West Michigan will be greatly enriched by your presence."

Though the convention is 11 months away, excitement is already building in our musical community for what is sure to be a memorable event. The convention and guest bands will bring over 800 people to Muskegon. Jill Emery, Tourism Manager for the Muskegon County Convention and Visitors Bureau noted that "the Association of Concert Bands 2011 Annual Convention will be a great opportunity for us to showcase our beautiful lakeshore community to a whole new audience."

We are pleased to announce the convention sponsorship of Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.

Don Flickinger, Adult Programming Coordinator, has stated that "Blue Lake shares ACB objectives to foster the development of adult community bands and promote performance of the highest quality. We look forward to working with the WINDS to make this a memorable ACB Convention in Muskegon."

Visit Blue Lake Summer Adult Arts Program

Please share this colorful flyer with all of your band friends.  We have a great conference planned for ACB members and guests and four nights of free concerts at the historic Frauenthal Theater!

This information sheet demonstrates the hightlights: James Curnow, Convention Band Conductor, Clinicians, Tours for members and guests and more......

We are please to announce that the Community Foundation for Muskegon County has provided a grant to support Four Nights of Free Community Band Concerts for the Community!

The Community Foundation for Muskegon County was created in 1961 to improve the quality of life for Muskegon County residents. As a publicly-supported community endowment, the Foundation receives and manages contributions from thousands of community citizens and organization who are committed to the future of Muskegon County.

Visit Community Foundation for Muskegon County 

We are pleased to announce that the Muskegon County Convention and Visitors
Bureau has become a sponsoring organization of the 2011 ACB Convention.  We
also appreciate the support of the Muskegon County Board of Commissioners
for their support and interest in this event.  Tourism Manager, Jill Emery,
believes "the ACB Convention in 2011 will allow us the opportunity to
showcase our beautiful lakeshore community to individuals from across the
country.  We are proud of all we have to offer and we will continue to work
with the passionate local organizers of this great event to make sure we
properly roll out the red carpet for our visitors.  The economic impact from
event is very much appreciated and we look forward to the great performances
that will be highlighted throughout the convention."

We are pleased to announce that Baker College has become a sponsoring organization of the 2011 ACB Convention.

Baker College sees  this as “a wonderful event for the community”. 

Visit Baker College

Wouldn't you love the opportunity to support a National Convention in Muskegon? 

Here's everything you need to know about the ACB 2011 convention and why it is important for you to consider being a part of this event.