BVCB to conclude concert season May 10

Several musicians to fill podium directing band

 

IMLAY CITY — The Belle Valley Community Band concludes their 2024/2025 musical season with a concert entitled ‘Welcome to the Podium’.

The title is fitting as they will have seven conductors lead the band during the program.

The concert will be held on Saturday May 10, 2025 in the Imlay City High School Performing Arts Center beginning at 7:00 pm.

When the Belle Valley Community Band was formed in 1989, the 35-piece ensemble was under the direction of a trio of music educators.

Jack Siedler from Capac Schools, Gary Sutton from North Branch Schools, and the beloved John Cummins from Imlay City Schools.

Throughout their history they have played under the direction of 15 conductors at various times and at various locations.

Over the last five years they have shown substantial growth in not only the number of quality musicians performing with the band, but musicians who have chosen music education as their vocation.

The BVCB has 12 (former or current) ‘music teachers’ currently on the band roster which led the group to opening the conductor’s podium to various music educators. Bringing the past, the present, and the future of the BVCB into clear focus.

Although Christine Dodge will not be conducting for this program, she remains an active member of the BVCB as a flute player and retains her position as co-conductor for future performances.

Christy is a 2007 graduate of Oakland University, majoring in music education and obtained her Master’s Degree in conducting, also from OU.

After holding teaching positions for several local school systems, Christy decided to leave the teaching profession and is currently a service representative with the Marshal Music Company of Lansing, Michigan, helping to service the needs of school instrumental, orchestral and vocal music programs throughout the mid-Michigan region.

Joining the band on the podium for this special program will be: Dave Coon, the principle trombone player with the BVCB.

Dave is one of two original members who still performs with the organization. He is a 1976 graduate of Michigan State University with an undergraduate degree in music education.

His graduate work was completed at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Dave was the instrumental music director for Dryden Community Schools and retired in 2006 after a 30-year career.

Not only does he perform with the BVCB, but he has been a co-conductor with the organization throughout its history.

Steve Burns, is our principle trumpet player. Steve is a 1980 graduate of Central Michigan University with an undergraduate degree in music education and a master’s degree in trumpet performance.

Steve was the director of instrumental music at Lapeer West High School until his retirement in 2007, serving Lapeer Community Schools for 30-years as a music educator.

He has also been a co-conductor with the BVCB throughout its 36-year history.

Kyle Pokropowicz is a multi-talented musician with the BVCB excelling on all of the different saxophone instruments, with the baritone saxophone being his specialty.

He is a very capable bassoon player as well. Kyle is a 2020 graduate of CMU, obtaining his undergraduate degree in music education and is currently in his 4th year as Director of Bands for Montrose Community Schools in Montrose, MI.

Kyle returns to the podium after conducting a selection during the BVCB’s May concert in 2024.

New to the Belle Valley podium, but not to directing, is Ray Strum. Ray plays trumpet with the BVCB and is elated to be joined on the roster by his daughter Rebecca (horn section) as well as his grandson Miles (also a trumpet player) making it a family affair.

Ray is a 1975 graduate of MSU majoring in instrumental music and taught beginning instrumental music in the elementary grades as well as serving as Director of Bands at E. T. White Junior High for Lapeer Community Schools.

Ray also served as choir director for a period of time while teaching in Lapeer. After a 21-year career for Lapeer schools, Ray moved on to teach instrumental music at St. Paul Lutheran School, also in Lapeer, MI. for an additional 21 years.

He retired in 2017 after an illustrious 42-year career teaching music to the youth of Lapeer County.

“The baton has come alive again after a seven year break” Ray said. “It’s a pleasure to be back on the podium leading the musicians of the Belle Valley Community Band”.

Katy McDiarmid is a talented flute player with the BVCB. She received her undergraduate degree in music education from MSU in 2008, and her master’s degree from American Band College in 2016.

After graduation from MSU Katy started teaching music at Clio High School and then moved on to her high school alma mater, Milford High School.

In 2020 Katy took a leave from her teaching position to be a ‘full-time mom’, raising a family.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to dust off my baton and lead the fine musicians of the Belle Valley Community Band” Katy said.

Alexis Johnson’s primary instrument with the BVCB is the clarinet, but has also been known to play the oboe as well.

She is a 2014 graduate from Lapeer Community Schools and a 2020 graduate of CMU majoring in clarinet performance.

Alexis is working on her Master’s Degree in music education at the University of Michigan – Flint.

Upon graduation from CMU, Alexis returned to her home town and is currently one of the instrumental music directors at Rolland-Warner Middle School, Zemmer Middle School and Lapeer High School, all within the Lapeer Community Schools system.

“I love coming to rehearsals and making beautiful music with friends and colleagues at Belle Valley” Alexis states.

The youngest member of the conducting staff may be the best known to the Imlay City community.

Ruby (Hellebuyck) Nothelle is one of the driving forces of the BVCB with her strong play on the tuba.

She is a 2020 graduate of Imlay City High School, and a 2023 graduate of Western Michigan University.

Upon graduation from WMU, Ruby taught 5th grade music for one semester in the Imlay City school system before taking her music education degree to Marlette, MI. where she is in her first year as instrumental music director for Marlette Community Schools.

Seven conductors, with nine specific musical selections endearing to each director, makes for a very entertaining program for you to enjoy.

The BVCB suggests that you get your outdoor chores wrapped up early, enjoy a fine dinner out at a local eatery and then join the Belle Valley Community Band for a relaxing evening of superb musical entertainment.

Dinner and a show. Can you think of a better way to enjoy a Saturday evening in early May?

Admission to all BVCB concerts is free and open to the public. Goodwill donations are graciously accepted by the band to help defray the costs occurred in producing the performance.

You can follow the band on Facebook, just search Belle Valley Community Band.