Birmingham Concert Band
Patrick Jensen, Conductor
Patrick Jensen has been an active musician in the Detroit area for most of his life. He attended Wayne State University for both his Undergraduate Degree (Music Education) and Master’s Degree (Conducting, studying with Doug Bianchi). While at Wayne State, Patrick played Trumpet in several ensembles and even was the musical director of the school’s Pep Band for a short time.
Outside of Wayne State, Patrick has performed and worked with many musical organizations in the area. These ensembles include the Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra, The Dearborn Symphony, and the Henry Ford College Big Band amongst others. Patrick also enjoys composing music for a variety of ensembles including Marching Bands, Concert Bands, Orchestras, Jazz Ensembles, and even Rock Bands.
Currently, Patrick is teaching music classes at Henry Ford College and is the conductor for the Downriver Community Band. When he really wants to let his hair down, Patrick also performs in various Rock and Jazz groups including a Frank Zappa tribute band that is featured at local music festivals.
Grant Hoemke, Conductor Emeritus
Grant M. Hoemke served as the Director of Instrumental Music and the Fine Arts Department Head at Farmington High School from 1979 to 1991. He retired in 2005 after a 35-year public school teaching career, the last 26 years for the Farmington Public Schools. In June of 2014 he retired after 33 years as the Music Director and Conductor of the Birmingham Concert Band and is now the Music Director Emeritus. In addition he has served as the acting Director of Bands for Wayne State University and directed their High School Summer Band program. Currently Mr. Hoemke also serves as an Associate Conductor of the Saline New Horizons Band, and directs the SNHB Clarinet Choir. Although a woodwind player specializing in bass clarinet, more recently he is more likely to be found playing the French horn. Mr. Hoemke is a Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association Emeritus member and adjudicator, and has served as a clinician and guest conductor throughout southeast Michigan.