JJC Community Band Honors Founder, 45 Years of Musical Legacy in Anniversary Concert

The Joliet Junior College community band will celebrate its 45th anniversary Sunday, May 5, marking four and a half decades of musical excellence and community engagement. The concert will begin at 3 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theater on Main Campus, 1215 Houbolt Rd.  

The anniversary concert holds special significance as the band commemorates the legacy of its founder, Mr. Jerry E. Lewis, who passed away in 2024. Lewis was the the College’s fine arts department chairman and formed the community band in 1979 after seeing the need for an ensemble open to everyone in the community. He served as the conductor until 2004 and returned as a guest conductor several times over the years.  

“Things do not feel the same without him here,” said Charles Morgan, community band conductor and JJC music professor. “It will be difficult on May 5 when we do not see him before the concert or in his usual seat. He never missed a concert.”

As a tribute to his enduring influence, the entire concert will be dedicated to his memory, with performances of "Grace" by Leroy Anderson and "A Trumpeter's Lullaby” by Brian Balmages. Despite his absence, Lewis’ spirit lives on through the music and camaraderie he fostered within the band. 

Under the skilled direction of Charles Morgan, the 95-member band rehearses weekly and performs several concerts each year, showcasing the best of the symphonic band repertoire. The band is open to all musicians from the community interested in performing the best of the symphonic band repertoire. Participation in the band may be done on a credit or non-credit basis.  

To commemorate the milestone, the band will feature works by renowned composers such as John Philip Sousa, Alexander Borodin, Leroy Anderson and Haydn Wood. Additionally, the concert will include the world premiere of "Rejuvenation Overture" by Jermaine Stegall, a piece specially commissioned to honor the band's anniversary. Stegall is known for his versatility and acclaimed compositions and has worked on numerous film scores, including "Coming 2 America" and "Praise This." His collaboration with the JJC community band underscores the band's dedication to artistic innovation and collaboration.

For those interested in joining the Joliet Junior College community band or learning more about its programs please visit jjc.edu/music.  

For media inquiries, please contact communications and media manager Katherine Smith at katherine.smith@jjc.edu