Over 80 Members keep Concert Band in Tune with Ferndale Community 
(Christian Miller, March 3, 2019)
Ferndale, MI- Whether it’s local residents, music educators, veterans, detectives or international players, the Ferndale Community Concert Band boasts a bit of everything.
The band got its start in 2015 thanks to efforts made by the Ferndale Arts and Cultural Commission.
Since then, it has grown to include a diverse range of over 80 musicians.
Heading the lively ensemble is Artistic Director and Conductor, Edward Quick.
After earning his Bachelor’s in music education from Michigan State University and Masters in clarinet performance from the University of Michigan, Quick went on to teach for 30 years.
29 of those years were spent perfecting music programs in Detroit Public Schools.
Quick’s educational efforts even resulted in four separate performances at Carnegie Hall.
Nowadays, Quick continues his career by arranging five thematic concerts per season for the Ferndale Community Concert Band.
The ensemble plays various venues across the state including Belle Isle and the Woodward Dream Cruise.
Motifs explore virtually all styles of music.
From American inspiration and hometown holiday to a salute to our fathers and sounds of Africa, the band is well-versed in conveying emotion through song.
Patti Aberlich joined the Ferndale Community Concert Band in 2015. Along with playing trumpet, she is also the band’s publicist.
“I remember being a majorette and playing in the Ferndale High School band as a teenager,” Aberlich said. “To come back and play after all this time is amazing.”
Aberlich rekindled her love for music in 2013 with the help of her twin sister, Alicia Funk.
Together, the duo mustered over 75 alumni to play during Ferndale High School’s Spring Concert.
The event inspired Funk to join the Ferndale Community Concert Band in 2015.
She, like her sister, also holds a board position in the FCCB.
When she isn’t playing her flute, Funk manages funds as the band’s treasurer.
Funk’s hiatus from music has not deterred her from picking up where she left off.
“It’s kind of like riding a bike,” Funk said. “For me, playing flute is challenging and relaxing at the same time.”
Although performing comes with certain stresses, Funk noted director Quick’s patience with the group.
“He’s not someone who gets in your face if you mess up,” Funk said. “His friendly approach makes rehearsals fun.”
Maintaining a lighthearted attitude during Tuesday practices seems to be the way to go.
Despite fierce weather cancelling February’s concert, the Ferndale Community Concert Band looks forward to two upcoming performances.
The first will be held April 7 and the latter June 16.
Both events will take place at 3:00 p.m. in the Ferndale High School Auditorium and are free to the public.
Visit the band’s website, Facebook page or YouTube profile to learn more about how you can support local musicians or joining their ranks.