Search Results

Enhanced Woods - an ensemble of clarinets The Enchanted Woods Clarinet Ensemble is made up of musicians from varied backgrounds but with the desire to play music and share music at a variety of venues. We are made up of members primarily from the Cumberland County Community Band, and we play a wide variety of music from classical to oldies, religious to light rock, and just about anything in between. Our name comes from two words which offer meaning to the group. ENCHANTED is defined as "placed under or as if under a magic spell" or "to impart a magic quality or effect". Isn't that what music is all about, to magically take you on a journey within your mind and imagination? We think so. WOODS is simple. Quality Clarinets are made from Grenadilla wood, which is a fine wood used in making musical instruments that delivers the deep resonate tones of the clarinet. So it is simple, The Enchanted Woods Clarinet Ensemble takes you to magical places through music with deep resonate tones and plenty of imagination. We enjoy playing and entertaining. GOD has blessed us with the ability to play great music and share our talents with our audiences, big and small. Our purpose is to play music people like to hear and music that is familiar with our listeners. We are pleased to be able to play for you and hope you enjoy your experience with our group. We sincerely thank you for listening. To schedule a performance please contact Wayne Rose at 931-707-7566.

The Plateau Old Time German Band Featuring German style polkas and other favorites The band was formed in 2011 by Pete Tiffany after a request from the Cumberland County Community Band for a German oompa Polka band to supplement the main organization at some of the smaller venues and to help spread the word about the main band. Pete, a euphonium player and member of the now defunct Emery/Pat Nagy small band (The Entertainers), used his experiences in the Nagy band and the gift of the band's music library by the Nagy family to help facilitate the start of the group now known as the Plateau Old Time German band. Thank you Nagys! Since then, members of the German Band have been participating in a wide number of community activities. These include The Art Circle Library Noontime Series, the Fairfield Glade Homeowners Group, the Good Samaritans retirement complex, Lake Tansi Homeowners Group, the Pleasant Hill Uplands Village, the Fairpark Senior Center, the 127 Senior Center, the local Alzheimer's Association, St. Judes Children's Hospital fundraiser, local PBS station, Autumn Festival at local church, and at a Fairfield Glade block party. Although initially a mostly Oktoberfest type German Band, the instrumentation and abilities of the individual players has resulted in the music of the group expanding outside of the German music genre. In their concerts, the group is playing a number of the German folk tunes such as the polka, waltz, laendler and the schottisch, but also including some of the more well known polkas and waltzes from around the world. Music from Polish , American, Mexican and other cultures has been featured. The band quickly found the audiences preferred happy and uplifting music. Pop tunes, Dixieland, patriotic and even disco have been added. And, the band also discovered that audiences would participate in the show if encouraged. In response, the band has included some favorites such as the Chicken Dance, the Happy Wanderer, TN themed songs, and even a version of an all-time favorite audience-participation tune, YMCA! Our tradition: end each show with one of the most well known polkas there is - The Beer Barrel Polka, followed by a chorus of Rocky Top.

Our Conductor, Bill Kerr William T. Kerr William T. Kerr is our conductor, after playing in the Clarinet section since November 2016. Mr. Kerr graduated from Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. His Master of Science in Education was received at Long Island University, NY. He began his career teaching and directing the Choir and Band program at Mullens High School in West Virginia. Then he returned to his home state and taught band for 32 years at Valley Stream North High School, New York. The band program grew from 30 students to over 175 when he retired in 2015; that growth created an additional full-time band director position and a new band facility. Over those years his band was invited to play at many events around New York City, including: a West Point Football game, the annual Newsday Marching Band Festival, a Disney theatre opening, welcome for returning Gulf War troops and a cameo appearance in the Nickelodeon TV show The Naked Brothers Band. Mr. Kerr had wonderful opportunities to work with great conductor/teachers over the years including: Howard Rockwin (Mepham HS); Barry Beeber and Dr. Janita Byars (Kennedy HS); Drs. Grover Pittman and Clarence Martin (Westminster), Dr. Anthony Maiello (George Mason University) and Dr. Peter Boonshaft (Hofstra University). Communities all around Long Island benefited from Mr. Kerr as conductor or clarinetist for over 50 musicals, so he knows the scores for great shows like Anything Goes, Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma!, The King and I, My Fair Lady, Evita, Guys and Dolls, West Side Story, Man of La Mancha, Hello Dolly and Show Boat. Mr. Kerr was privileged to have a variety of clarinet instructors: Vincent Heikler, Dr. Janita Byars, Ann Hetrick, Louis Coletta, and Vincent (Jimmy) Abato (New York Metropolitan Opera). Mr. Kerr maintained a clarinet, flute and saxophone studio for 15 years, developing the talents of music students and guiding them thru the NY School Music Association Spring Festivals. Every year, Mr. Kerr’s students were accepted into either the All-State, All-Eastern or All-County (Nassau) Music Festivals. Mr. Kerr and his family moved to Crossville in 2016 after years of planning for the move. Just before the move, Grace, his wife, was diagnosed with metastatic lung cancer and two strokes, but they were committed to the move. She died in Crossville in 2018, but her love for music, family, and life live on in all who knew her. Their son, Timothy, recently graduated (summa cum laude) from the University of Tennessee majoring in Sports Management. He is working at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. When Bill is not playing with the CCCB, you can see him playing in the Cookeville Clarinet Choir, Cookeville Community Band, The Enchanted Winds, and the Jazz band Cumberland Swing Experience or singing with the Christ Lutheran Church choir. He enjoys playing tennis, vegetable gardening and travelling (when his musical commitments allow).

View our Summer Concert 2025 on YouTube View our full Veterans Benefit Concert 2023 on YouTube View our full Spring Concert 2023 on YouTube Disney at the Oscars That's Entertainment View our Holiday Concert December 2022 on YouTube The Eighth Candle: A Prayer and Dance for Hanukkah Reindeer Rumba View our Veterans Benefit Concert November 2022 on YouTube All concert proceeds benefit local Veterans' organizations Veterans Salute Star Spangled Spectacular

The Cumberland County Community Band is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible. The band is composed of amateur musicians returning to their instruments after periods of inactivity, retired and working band directors and professional players, all who enjoy playing in a congenial performing group. We encourage interested musicians in the area to join us. About the Band The Cumberland County Community Band is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible. The band rehearses on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 PM at the Cumberland County High School Band Room in Crossville, TN. The band is composed of amateur musicians returning to their instruments after periods of inactivity, retired and working band directors and professional players, all who enjoy playing in a congenial performing group. We encourage interested musicians in the area to join us. Most concerts are performed in the auditorium of the Stone Memorial High School. Members of the Board Buzz Zeigler, President Sylvia Becker, Vice President Brian Weaver, Treasurer Gary Kunath, Secretary William T. Kerr, Conductor Ruth Ann Tuten, Assistant Conductor Jane Winters, Music Library Beth Chase, Development Shirley Creager, Personnel Manager Bill McCay, Stage & Property Manager Doyle Winters, Member at Large Dana Beal, STARTS Coordinator Joan Vrielink-Capito, Publicity Manager Volunteers Paul Beal – Uniform Coordinator Georgeia McCann – Website and Historian Gina Padgett – Posters and Concert Programs Band Members Greeters Toni White Doyle Winters Carol Plattner Nathan Tuten Holly Tuten Heidi Rose Our Founder Murray Kidwell Alto Saxophone Dan England Miriam Jenkins Dakoda Propst Asa Sparks Baritone Ruth Ernest Baritone Saxophone J. W Bruce Patrick Lankford Bass Clarinet Corey Cox Wayne Rose Bassoon Ada Grey Terri Kunath Clarinet Arianna Caruso Shirley Creager Alex Cruz Myra Eliott John Hughes Bruce Johnson Bill Kerr Ruth Ann McColley Chris Monchecourt April Olson Elijah Sparks Ruth Ann Tuten Euphonium Harold Ford Dudley Robinson Brian Weaver Flute Bonnie Ashburn Phyllis Bidwell Beth Chase Emily Cooper Susan Keith Jordan Kerley Mary Anne Lankford Nancy Lind Georgeia McCann Paula Scott Jazlynn Snyder Gabby Sparks Joan Vrielink-Capito Linda Zelonis French Horn Bill Boyd Ben Brewer Jane Harding Anderson Hassler Gina Padgett Laura Steinke David White Jane Winters Buzz Ziegler Oboe Dana Beal Daniel Christmas Percussion Carol Boyd Rick Dennis Kayla Hunter Nick Kaufmann Bob Kludt Tony Lashore Hans Plattner Will Rose Rachel Sims Bob White Piccolo Mary Anne Lankford Saxophone Mikki Betker Mike Bush Pedro Pons Norman Suydam Tenor Saxophone Brian Hickman Karin Leahy Trombone Paul Beal Jim Bell Caleb Capps Jimmy Coffer Rick Kepner Mario Laborde Mani Lozano Bill Meyrahn Jack Monchecourt Alyssa Parker Allen Rumbaugh Trumpet Marty Abbott Terry Ashburn Sylvia Becker Mike Chilcutt Phil Craighead Elena Douglas Earl Keith Gary Kunath Bill McCay Chris Schaumberg Mark Sczublewski Thomas Tupper Tuba Dave Bouque Joan Peters Zachary Sapp Kevin Wright

Our Founder, Murray Kidwell Murray Kidwell Jun 27, 1938 – Nov 11, 2019 In the summer of 2000, Murray Kidwell gathered a small group of local musicians and made plans for the formation of a community band. Later that fall, on November 7th rehearsals were begun and on December 10th at the Cumberland County High School Gymnasium the first concert was held with the Cumberland County High School Band. Murray continued as director of the band until his retirement in 2008. He continued to play with the CCCB until Dec 2018. Murray graduated from Cumberland County High School and went on to active military service with the United States Air Force Band, performing in 48 U.S. States, Europe, Asia, and Africa in more than 8000 concerts. He performed concerts with the Berlin Philharmonic and the Paris Opera Orchestra. He also played at Westminister Abbey and at the Mozarteum in Saltzsburg. Murray received a commendation from the US Ambassador to the Soviet Union in the mid 70's for his public relations work with the Air Force Band. Murray’s principal instruments were the flute and piccolo. Upon returning to Crossville, Murray taught history, art and band in Cumberland County schools for 26 years, and was listed in Who's Who in American Education as an Influential Educator. For Murray’s work with the community band, his commitment to veterans, and other public service causes, he was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Business and Professional Women on 10/28/2004.

Band photos Thanks to Photographer Terry Ashburn for 2022 Photos

Archives View programs, flyers, and news articles dating back to the founding of the Band in 2000. Click the Archives button below. To scroll through on a desktop click any file and then use the left right arrows to scroll through all the files. To scroll on a phone, just open one of the files and swipe. CCC Band Archives

The Cumberland County Community Band is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible. The band rehearses on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 PM at the Stone Memorial High School Band Room in Crossville, TN. ​ The band is composed of amateur musicians returning to their instruments after periods of inactivity, retired and working band directors and professional players, all who enjoy playing in a congenial performing group. We encourage interested musicians in the area to join us. The Crossville Cornet Band, circa 1888 Research shows that an early written account of a community band was in 1888 when a Crossville Cornet Band was mentioned. It was customary in those days for small towns to have bands for holiday celebrations such as Independence Day and for Sunday concerts in the park. In November of 2000, local teacher, Murray Kidwell, gathered a small group of interested musicians and plans were made for the formation of a community band. The band began rehearsals at the Cumberland County High School later that month. The CCCB’s first performance was on December 10, 2000 in the Cumberland County High School gymnasium with Mr. Kidwell conducting. Mr. Kidwell continued as director of the band until his retirement in 2008. After retiring as the band’s director Mr. Kidwell became the band’s principal flautist. Between April 2008 and September 2011 the band perfomed under several guest directors including Jack Bittle, Lance Kennedy, Don Miller and Mike Chilcutt. In September of 2011 Brian Bacon became the band’s director and continued in that position until June 2015. Murray Kidwell returned to the podium and directed concerts in July and September of that year. Mr. Glen Belcher directed the band from September 2015 through December 2019. He is a retired band director with 37 years teaching experience in Tennessee and Alabama. He is passionate about the benefits of Arts education and in August 2016, under his directorship, the CCCB Board of Directors assumed oversight of the STARTS (SupportTheARTS) Program. He speaks frequently about the benefits of Arts education and may be contacted through the band’s website. Effective January 2020, principal clarinetist, William Kerr, assumed the Conductor position of the Band.

STARTS (SupportTheARTS), an Initiative of the Cumberland County Community Band in Support of "ARTS" Education in the Cumberland County Schools STARTS (SupportTheARTS) An Initiative of the Cumberland County Community Band in Support of "ARTS" Education in the Cumberland County Schools History During May and June 2016, Glen Belcher, Director of the Cumberland County Community Band (CCCB), invited the “ARTS” teachers in the Cumberland County School System (CCSS) to participate in a survey which focused on assessing the current status and needs of the Band, Classroom Music, Chorus, Drama and Visual Art programs in the eleven public schools (9 elementary schools and 2 high schools) in Cumberland County, Tennessee. The responses from those 22 teachers became the basis for a “system-wide” needs list which was then shared with school officials, local civic groups and interested individuals. The responses from the community were overwhelmingly “What can we do?” and “How can we help?” Realizing that there was a real need for additional funding and support for all of the “ARTS” programs, and that many in the community were willing, even eager, to be a part of an organized effort to provide that support, the Board of Directors of the CCCB unanimously agreed to provide the leadership of such an effort. On August 1, 2016 the STARTS program was officially organized as an initiative of the CCCB (a designated 501c(3) organization). As a result, all donations to the STARTS program are tax deductible. Starts Director Glen Belcher presents check to CCHS Theater department for production costs Ms. Janet Graham, Director of CCSS, was very receptive to the assistance offered by STARTS , and appointed Dr. Rebecca Farley, Curriculum Supervisor for grades 3-8, as the liaison between the CCSS and STARTS . The level of cooperation between Dr. Farley and STARTS has been one of the key factors in the effectiveness of this joint effort to support “ARTS” education in our schools. Goals A basic tenet of the STARTS philosophy is that we can be most helpful when we listen to teachers who are in the classrooms. Art, Drama and Music teachers are among the most resourceful and creative teachers in public schools and are universally driven by their desire to see their students, individually and collectively, experience “success” in their respective area of the “ARTS”. Once teachers set and prioritized their goals and needs, STARTS would help provide resources and funding needed to implement their programs and achieve their goals.As guidelines to help us organize support for “ARTS” education, STARTS has set the following goals: 7th Grade band receives nine donated instruments Raise community awareness of “ARTS” education programs in the Cumberland County Schools Highlight the benefits of strong “ARTS” programs in schools for children and the community Inform the community of the specific needs of “ARTS” teachers and programs Connect potential donors with opportunities to provide money, goods or services that will meet those specified needs Encourage partnerships between Cumberland County Schools, local arts organizations and individual artists to create mutually beneficial relationships between artists, teachers and students How Funding Benefits the Arts in Our Schools In September 2016, STARTS was presented with its first opportunity to assist with funding a CCSS program. Terry Ashburn, a retired local band director and Board Chairman for the Bryan Symphony Orchestra (BSO), had secured funds to provide tickets for every 4th grade student in the CCSS to attend a special BSO Educational Concert at Tennessee Tech University. Dr. Farley informed the STARTS director that the grant paid for the tickets but not the bus transportation to the concert. Could STARTS help? With donations from local groups, individuals and the CCCB, STARTS was able to provide the funds needed to transport the 4th graders on 10 buses to the BSO Concert in Cookeville. Since then STARTS has been able to assist school “ARTS” programs in the CCSS in the many ways, including: Money donated to STARTS has been used to repair and replace band instruments belonging to the schools and to purchase additional instruments as needed. Instruments donated to STARTS have been refurbished and then given to schools. Money has been given as a donation to the general fund to provide visual arts supplies and awards for school "ARTS” programs. Script and copyright fees were provided for school drama programs. When the U.S. Navy Brass Quintet from Washington DC visited Crossville, STARTS arranged for the quintet to perform at the Palace Theatre for 300 5-6-7-8th grade students and paid for bus transportation for the students. Items donated to STARTS have been given to schools which needed those specific items. Occasionally, STARTS puts a donor in direct contact with the school or teacher and the donation goes directly from the donor to the school and does not go through STARTS In several instances, teachers have used STARTS donations as “seed” money, applied for grants or matching funds and “leveraged” the original donation from STARTS into an even larger donation. How You Can Help You can donate online by using the Donate button on the Donate page of this website. You can also make a donation directly to STARTS by way of a check made out to CCCB with the memo STARTS and mailed to: Cumberland County Community Band, P.O. Box 1624, Crossville, TN 38558 Attend a school concert, art exhibit or theater production. Make a donation or purchase a ticket, but more importantly show your support by attending and demonstrating to the student artists and performers that you appreciate and support their efforts. Speak to others about the value of “ARTS” education in our public schools. Neighbors, community leaders, school administrators, principals, school board members, parents and children all need to hear this discussion framed in positive terms which encourages more community discussion and action. Glen Belcher, CCCB Director and Director of STARTS is available and eager to speak about the STARTS program and the benefits of strong “ARTS” programs in public schools for students, families and the community. For additional information about STARTS or to arrange for him to speak to a club, group or organization please contact board@cccband.net . Community Support From the beginning of the STARTS program, local media has provided outstanding press coverage. The publicity provided and the articles written by “The Crossville Chronicle” staff members have given STARTS name recognition in the community and assisted in establishing contacts and building working relationships between STARTS and those individuals and organizations who want to see a stronger presence of quality “ARTS” programs in our local public schools. The following organizations have offered continuing support and/or made significant donations to STARTS : ACPL Friends of the Library Art Guild at Fairfield Glade Boyds-Best City of Crossville Crossville Breakfast Rotary Club Cumberland Artisans for Creative Expression (CACE) Cumberland County Arts Roundup Cumberland County Community Band Cumberland County Community Chorus DGL Percussion Fairfield Glade Ladies Club Fairfield Glade Rotary Fairfield Glade Rotary Foundation Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church Gibson and Winn Productions Palace Theatre Project Hometown Help Southern Stars Symphonic Brass Band VEC Customers Share Foundation To all of those individuals, groups and organizations who have given so generously to STARTS or directly to school “ARTS” programs, we thank you for your support. Together, through the music, drama and visual arts teachers and programs, we ARE making a difference in the lives of thousands of children in the Cumberland County School System!

STARTS (SupportTheARTS), an Initiative of the Cumberland County Community Band in Support of "ARTS" Education in the Cumberland County Schools Patricia and Emery Nagy Scholarship The Band is proud to support local high school musicians with the Patricia and Emery Nagy Scholarship, created in memory of two of our founding members. High school students who participate in high school band and the CCC band are eligible for scholarships from $500 to $2,000. Link to Scholarship Poster

The Cumberland County Community Band is open to membership to anyone in the area with an interest in music and a desire to pursue their instrument in a congenial group setting. Performance Schedule 2025-2026 Veterans Benefit Concert November 6, 2025 7:00 pm Cumberland County High School Holiday Concert December 18, 2025 7:00 pm Cumberland County High School Summer Concert May 21, 2026 7:00 pm Cumberland County High School Veterans Day Ceremony November 11, 2025 11:00 am Downtown Crossville Spring Concert March 5, 2026 7:00 pm Cumberland County High School Memorial Day Ceremony May 26, 2026 Downtown Crossville All concerts are free and are held at 7pm in the Cumberland County High School Auditorium, 660 Stanley St, Crossville, TN The Cumberland County Community Band rehearses on Tuesday evenings at 6:00 PM at the Cumberland County High School Band Room, 660 Stanley Street, Crossville, TN.