Corning Area Community Concert Band

The Corning Area Community Concert Band was formed in 1976 for the celebration of the United States of America’s Bicentennial. It is, and has been since its inception, conducted by John Stranges. The Band is made up of musicians, both amateur and professional, of various ages. The band plays concerts throughout the community, at festivals, schools, churches, and nursing facilities. A major fund-raiser for the Band is its participation in numerous local parades during the summer. Yes, we march! Additionally, an annual Fall Concert is performed to raise funds for a scholarship that is presented yearly to a deserving local high school musician.

Over the years the Corning Area Community Concert Band has hosted numerous guest conductors, composers, and soloists. 

The Corning Area Community Concert Band greatly enjoyed performing at the Association of Concert Bands’ Convention in Rochester, NY in 1990. It is looking forward to hosting the 30th Annual National Convention of the Association of Concert Bands in Corning, NY beginning April 2, 2008.

John Stranges received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College and his Master of Science in Education degree from Elmira College. He has taken further Graduate level courses at Vandercook College of Music in Chicago.

Mr. Stranges was an Instrumental Music Instructor and Band Director at Northside Blodgett Middle School for 34 years, Corning-Painted Post School District and retired in June 2003. He currently serves as the Instrumental Music Instructor and Band Director at The Alternative School for Math and Science, a private middle school in Corning, New York and has been the Conductor of the Corning Area Community Concert Band for 32 years.

He is a member of NYSSMA and NYSBDA and a Life Member of Association of Concert Bands. John and Becky are the parents of three children; Michelle, who is a piano technician in the Syracuse area; Jonathan, who is a salesman in Corning; and Nathan, who resides in Potsdam. Stranges is a Life Member of the Association of Concert Bands.