ABOUT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The General Assembly Big Band was formed by a collection of West Michigan musicians looking for an opportunity to perform big band jazz. The name "General Assembly" was chosen to reflect the wide variety of the musicians' backgrounds. Although several of the band members were professional music educators, most of them earned their livings in a wide variety of other vocations.
The band was initially formed and directed by Barney Barnett of Ludington, Michigan, in the 1960s. After Barney's retirement from the band in the 1970s, the band was led by trombonist Tom Sheppardson until his passing in 2020. Believing that preserving live big band music is important to the culture of West Michigan, the band transformed itself into a nonprofit performing arts organization in February of 2020. The organization is now a 501 C3 tax-exempt corporation and governed by a five-member board of directors. The band is currently under the leadership of President and trumpet soloist Richard Granger and Music Director and trombonist Pat Parrish.
The General Assembly Big Band Board of Directors
The band was initially formed and directed by Barney Barnett of Ludington, Michigan, in the 1960s. After Barney's retirement from the band in the 1970s, the band was led by trombonist Tom Sheppardson until his passing in 2020. Believing that preserving live big band music is important to the culture of West Michigan, the band transformed itself into a nonprofit performing arts organization in February of 2020. The organization is now a 501 C3 tax-exempt corporation and governed by a five-member board of directors. The band is currently under the leadership of President and trumpet soloist Richard Granger and Music Director and trombonist Pat Parrish.
The General Assembly Big Band Board of Directors
- President: Rich Granger, Shelby (Trumpet)
- Vice President and Secretary: Ron Marek, Reed City (Tenor Sax)
- Treasurer: James Frost, Ludington (Alto Sax)
- Music Director: Pat Parrish, Grand Haven (Trombone)
- Director at Large: Joan Lound, New Era
