Monroe County Community College to host first of its Epoch of the Great Lakes concerts on May 5

The Monroe County Community College/Community Symphony Band has a new project. The Epoch of the Great Lakes is a five year plan set to commission new compositions of music from composers with roots in Michigan. The world premiere of the piece “Electric Ascension” by the composer Chris Evan Hass, is set for early May.

The performance of the new piece will be held in the La-Z-Boy Center, Meyer Theatre at Monroe County Community College, 1555 S. Rainsville Rd. on May 5, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The concert will be open to the public and free to attend.

Prior to the performance, there will be a wine and cheese reception held from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. in Room 259 in the La-Z-Boy Center, which is very near to the atrium. Just like the concert, the reception will be open to the public and free to attend.

The funding and commissions for Epochs of the Great Lakes comes from The Foundation at Monroe County Community College which is funded through donations from members of the community and the support of The Foundation’s Cultural Enrichment Endowment. 

In an article posted on Monroe County Community College’s website the executive director of The Foundation at MCCC, Josh Myers, was quoted about the project, saying, "Each composition in this bold and visionary five-year initiative is written specifically for, and performed by, the MCCC College/Community Symphonic Band."

All of the pieces in the collection will work to be a part of a musical time capsule, each one representing a different period of time in Michigan’s history, according to Myers. In the piece by Hass, “Electric Ascension,” the state’s industrialization will be the focus of the music, with motifs evocative of mechanical movement and driving rhythms, the piece will mirror the prosperity, ingenuity, and innovation of the boom of the automotive industry in Michigan, as well as Michigan’s role as the “Arsenal of Democracy” at that time.

Hass has described himself as a "composer, arranger, conductor, and friend." He was born in Ann Arbor, and writes music that focuses on complex rhythms, and lush harmonies. His music has been performed by the U.S. Air Force Band, Eastman Saxophone Project, U.S. Army Band, Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Winds, Sinta Quartet, U.S. Naval Academy Band, and the New York Philharmonic. His music has also been played at a number of important events such as the Indonesia Orchestra and Ensemble Festival, Texas Music Educator’s Association Conference, and the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Hass’ chamber compositions are also often featured at places such as the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, as well as other instrumental showcases like the International Trumpet Guild, World Saxophone Congress, and the International Trombone Festival.

In his capacity as an educator, Hass has traveled around the world to rehearse with and conduct ensembles of all skill levels from 6th graders to college level and professional musicians. He also teaches privately on subjects such as brass instruments, music theory, and composition. He has also given presentations on freelancing, networking, and composition at colleges and universities all over the country.

Hass earned his bachelor’s degree in composition from Western Michigan University before moving on to Central Michigan University to earn his master’s degree in composition. He currently lives in Jackson, Michigan with his wife and their son and dogs.

The other Epochs of the Great Lakes compositions will take place over the next four years and include: a tribute to Michigan’s Indigenous peoples, their cultural legacy. and harmony with the Great Lakes region by Frank Duarte; “Michigan Fever” by Elena Specht, which will focus on the era of early European frontier life and settlement in the Great Lakes region, paying close attention to the struggle to tame the area’s wilderness through conflict, exploration, and resilience; a look at the social and cultural turbulence of life in the late 20th century’s post-industrial era, looking at themes of environmental reckoning, urban decay, reinvention, and protest; and “Rebirth” by Scott Boerma, which is a celebration of the renewal of Michigan as a diverse and dynamic state which is always changing through purpose and creativity. 

Myers spoke more about the project, saying, “Together, these works form a powerful musical narrative that echoes across time, honoring Michigan’s legacy while looking boldly toward its future."

There are almost 100 members of the College and Community Symphony Band with both MCCC students and members of the community taking part. Many of the band’s members have been participating for a number of years.

Mark B. Felder is the director of the band, and has been for over 30 years. He previously was an award winning director of the Jefferson High School Band for nearly three decades.

During the performance of Electric Ascension, the band will feature baritone saxophone player Paul Johnson, and bassoon player Conrad Cornelison, who joined the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as a principal bassoonist three years ago. Cornelison has served with the Jacksonville Symphony in the same position since 2017.

More information about Monroe County Community College can be found at the school’s website.