ABOUT THE BAND
The Essex Community Concert Band was formed in the fall of 2012. Many talented and eager High School musicians gathered at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Essex. The combined efforts of Conductors Dee Shaw and Christopher Ingratta, brought the first down beat to life. The band was quickly expanded to include local musicians to add to the experience and passion. This group has continued to grow with the support of, and cross promotion with, other local musical groups. The dedication of the membership had been able to keep the band growing and functioning. In the fall of 2014 an ad-hoc committee had been created to manage the general operations of the band. In Early 2015 the band completed the process to become a registered Non-Profit Corporation. The First General Meeting of the newly formed Corporation was held in October 2015 to elect the first Board of Directors.
Mission Statement : To provide quality entertainment in the community while continuing to facilitate the growth of local musicians.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors for the Essex Community Concert Band consists of Jason Nagy (President), Dee Shaw (Director), Matthew Lepain (Assistant Director), Peter Youngson (Treasurer) and Scott Cowan (Secretary).
Director – Dee Shaw
Assistant Director – Matthew Lepain
Matthew Lepain is an aspiring trumpeter, music educator and conductor in the Windsor-Essex County. He is currently studying Music at the University of Windsor to obtain a Bachelor of Music (Honours). Despite being in an early stage of his career Matthew has already made an impressive name for himself in both the Classical and Jazz/Pop scene. On top of being Assistant Conductor of the Essex Community Concert Band, Matthew is also an active soloist and performer with his jazz combo “The Border City Quintet”, the University of Windsor Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band, Regimental Band of the Windsor Regiment, Band of the Ceremonial Guard, Arts Collective Theatre Pit Orchestra and many more. He also volunteers at local schools and music camps mentoring young aspiring musicians as well as touring schools promoting the performing arts. A diverse musician being a multi-instrumentalist with a background in all genres of music he is a valuable asset to every group he performs with. After completing his undergraduate degree, Matthew plans to further his music education with a master’s degree in music.
