The Central Kentucky Concert Band, now in its 33rd year, is widely recognized as the premier, adult concert band in the Commonwealth, as well as one of the finest ensembles of its nature in the southeastern United States. Since 1994, Peter LaRue has served as the Music Director and Conductor of the Central Kentucky Concert Band. Mr. Les Anderson is the Assistant Conductor and Dr. Lee Patrick serves as Chair of the Executive Board. The CKCB has benefited historically from the support of the Kentucky Arts Council, LEXARTS, the Scott County Council of the Arts, Georgetown College, Asbury College and Transylvania University. Having been founded in February of 1976 by Peter Martin and Dennis Van Horn. These visionaries wanted to form an ensemble - "for the hundreds of individuals who play wind or percussion instruments and enjoy playing, yet have no other performing outlet". Martin was quoted in the April 14, 1976 Lexington Herald‑Leader as saying, "There is an excitement in concert band that you don't get in any other phase of music making.....members come to rehearsal because they want to be there. There is no other reason than their love of music". Originally formed as the "Bluegrass Concert Band", the name was soon changed to the Central Kentucky Concert Band as the ensemble began to attract players from throughout the Commonwealth, as well as southern Ohio, West Virginia. Today, the ensemble thrives as it boasts a membership united by a common love of music making. Current personnel includes people from all walks of life and represented in the band are attorneys, veterinarians, engineers, pharmacists, business owners, secretaries, civil servants, homemakers and public school and collegiate teachers. The continuing goal of the CKCB is to provide a plethora of experiences that prove to be musically rewarding and personally enjoyable for the players and audience members alike. The Central Kentucky Concert Band performs three "regular season" concerts each year, as well as maintaining an invigorating summer "pops" schedule. Classic works by Grainger, Holst, Vaughan Williams, Arnold, Sousa, King, Fillmore, Rossini, Offenbach, Verdi, Orff, De Nardis. Brahms, Bach and Beethoven - as well as modern works by Margolis, Gillingham, Whiteacre, Camphouse, Giroux, Holsinger and many others may be found on the band's recent play lists. Outstanding soloists are a part of the CKCB's regular concert offerings, and recent guest artists include Jay Flippin, Vince DiMartino, Earle Louder, Richard Cryder, Angela Easterday, Stacey Baker, Othello Pumphrey and William Bryant. Additionally, artist‑players from within the band are oft‑times featured in concert venues. The Central Kentucky Concert Band has benefited materially over the years from the ongoing support of the Kentucky Arts Council, the Lexington Arts & Cultural Council, Transylvania University and many friends of the CKCB from across the Bluegrass. The ensemble is a member of the Association of Concert Bands of America. 1976-1977: Peter Martin & Dennis Van Horn 1977-1979: Peter Martin 1979-1980: James Curnow 1980-1985: John Anderson 1985-1992: Ben Hawkins 1992-1993: Harry Clarke 1993-1994: Les Anderson 1994 to present: Peter LaRue, Music Director & Conductor, Les Anderson, Associate Conductor