2005 Bells-a-Plenty: A Fountain City Holiday Celebration

 

 FCBB "Kicks Off" 2006 KMEA Conference

 
The FCBB was featured on the"President's Concert" of the Kansas Music Educators Association Conference in the beautiful 2000 seat Century II Concert Hall on February 23. It is believed that this was the first time in the events history that a brass band performed, and if any indications can be made from the audiences' response it certainly will not be the last. The FCBB thrilled the KMEA audience by performing it's program from the 2005 U.S. Open. The large hall was wonderfully receptive to the brass band, allowing for a complete dynamic range from sublime softs of Gabriel's Oboe to the band fully unloading, without being offensive, in Ernesto Lecuono's Malaguena. Other highlights from the evening included a wonderful read of Czardas from solo baritonist Will Hess and a brisk Tuba Bee from the band's solo tubist Tom Stein.

The FCBB would like to extend a sincere thanks to Jean Neye and the entire KMEA staff.

 

FCBB at KMEA © Jolesch Photography
 
 
Get your tickets now to the FCBB finale of the 2005-2006 concert season! Red, White, & Brass is a program of musical fireworks featuring many of the band's fine soloists along with a wide variety of patriotic favorites. You can now purchase tickets to the FCBB's concert series at UMKC through the Central Ticket Office online at: http://www.umkc.edu/adminfinance/businessservices/cto/  or:

CTO Contact Information
Monday - Friday    10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Weekend Hours Vary
(Please Call To Confirm)
E-mail us at cto@umkc.edu
Phone:  816-235-6222
Fax:  816-235-2704
 
   

FCBB Spotlight: Stephen Bulla
(Spotlight features FCBB members, guest artists and events)
 

 

Stephen Bulla received his degree in arranging and composition from Boston's Berklee College of Music, graduating Magna Cum Laude.  His studies there developed an interest in the commercial music field, eventually leading to a schedule of full time composing and recording production.

Presently Mr. Bulla has entered his third decade as Staff Arranger to "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band and White House Orchestra.  As such he is responsible for the production of music that encompasses many styles and instrumental combinations, most of which are performed for Presidential functions and visiting dignitaries. 

His musical arrangements were featured on the PBS television series "In Performance At The White House" and performed by many artists including Sarah Vaughan, The Manhattan Transfer, Mel Torme, Doc Severinsen, Nell Carter, and Larry Gatlin.

A variety of freelance commercial projects find Mr. Bulla in the studio producing new recordings, including the popular "Spiritual To The ‘Bone" series of jazz trombone ensemble CDs.  In 1990 he was awarded the prestigious ADDY Award for best original music/TV spot, and recently he provided the music score for the 'Century of Flight' series on the Discovery Channel.

In 1998 he was honored by The Salvation Army in New York for his extensive contribution to their musical repertoire.  This event included a 'Profile' concert of his compositions, featuring performances by the New York Staff Band.

His commissioned concert works include instrumental compositions that are performed and recorded internationally.  The Dutch, British, Swiss and New Zealand Brass Band Championship organizations have all commissioned test pieces from his pen.  His wind band compositions are published by DeHaske Music and Curnow Music Press.

Stephen Bulla is a member of ASCAP  (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) and has received that organization's Performance Award annually since 1984.
 

The FCBB and guest clinician, Steve Bulla, braved snow, ice, and sub-freezing weather for an eight hour marathon rehearsal on Saturday, February 11, 2006. In this picture Steve leads the band through a chorale.

SUPPORT YOUR BAND

The Fountain City Brass Band is an American Heritage Foundation.

As a non-profit organization, the Fountain City Brass Band relies on grants and its corporate and private supporters for financial assistance. Without these generous tax deductible donations, our band could not continue recruiting talented players for the band or giving this area the same quality programs and guest artists.

Tickets sales account for only half of the costs of each concert. Our goal is to keep ticket prices within an affordable range so that all persons may have access to the performances. In order to continue giving the community the same level of quality band music, the band must raise funds to offset our costs.

Our "Friends of the FCBB" can choose from a variety of ways to assist us in producing the same exquisite programs, often with gifted guest artists brought in from all over the world. Outright gifts of cash, planned gifts and fundraisers are all ways individuals and groups can ensure the continued delivery of the timeless masterpieces and contemporary pops.

For more assistance on planned giving and how to participate in our fundraisers, simply call our office at (816) 305-4894 or email us at fcbb@fcbb.net.

Tax deductible cash gifts may be mailed to Fountain City Brass Band, Inc., PO Box 7119
Kansas City, MO 64113