About the Conductor

Robert Nielsen, a Selma California native, is well known throughout the state as both a performer and educator. He currently teaches Music Theory, History, Composition and Brass at Fresno City College, and from 1989 to1999 he served as Chair of the Music Department. Previously he was Director of Bands at Reedley College from 1961 to 1978. He also serves as guest conductor and adjudicator at many festivals and concerts.

Mr. Nielsen has enjoyed a long career as a free-lance trumpet player appearing with many bands and shows in Fresno. He recently retired from the Fresno Philharmonic Orchestra after 44 seasons, 29 of those as Principal Trumpet.

As a published composer and arranger, Mr. Nielsen's works are performed throughout the world, most recently by the Dresden Children's Chorus and the European Philharmonic Brass Quintet. In addition, the Fresno Community Concert Band has performed many of his compositions and arrangements.
Mr. Nielsen has served as co-conductor of the Fresno Community Concert Band since its inception in 1993.

Band History

The Fresno Community Concert Band began in October 1993 after a yearlong planning process by its organizers. Conceived as an organization that would provide an outlet for the many amateur musicians in the area, the band now boasts 75 members - all adults and all former high school or college band members.

Band members are comprised of a wide range of age and occupations, a cross section of the community. The band’s mission, besides providing a performance opportunity, is to perform the very best in classical and pops band literature in as many different venues as possible attracting large and diverse audiences. The Fresno Community Concert Band is unique in its mission; no other band like it exists in the area, and because of its professionalism and the dedication of its leaders and members, it will continue to present exciting concerts in the concert band tradition providing a substantial service to the community.

Conducting the band since its inception are Mr. Larry Huck and Mr. Robert Nielsen. The band’s first concert was held on February 3, 1994 to a capacity audience in the Fresno City College Theatre. Following this first successful concert, the band has expanded its performances each season to include concerts in the Tower Theatre for the Performing Arts, appearances at the Civil War Reenactment, participation in the CSU Fresno’s annual Wind Festival, broadcasts by Media One, participation in the Sacramento Band Festival and outreach Concerts in neighboring towns.