Blue Lake International Symphonic Band

The 2012 Blue Lake Symphonic Band, under the direction of George Fetter, is comprised of the instrumentation found in a traditional symphonic wind ensemble, with woodwind, brass and percussion sections. The group's repertoire will range from traditional American symphonic literature to orchestral transcriptions and classic marches, such as Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever.

The Blue Lake Symphonic Band will typically visit 7 European communities during their 3 week tour and will usually visit at least one Scandinavian destination.  Their tour will culminate with a special homecoming performance at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp on July 20, 2012.

2012 International Symphonic Band
George Fetter, Musical Director

Mr. George Fetter received his bachelor and master’s degrees in music education from Wayne State University.  Later, he studied conducting at the Eastman School of Music and at the Tanglewood Music Center under Erich Leinsdorf.  Mr. Fetter also did post-graduate studies at The University of Michigan.  Mr. Fetter was director of bands at Waterford Kettering High School and later became Director of School Services at the Marshall Music Company.  He has played trumpet in professional orchestras and dance bands throughout Michigan.  He has appeared as a guest soloist and conductor with many high school and adult groups.  He currently is an active adjudicator for the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA).  Mr. Fetter has also served as vice president for MSBOA at the state level and president at the district level. 

Mr. Fetter began his relationship with Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp when the camp was in its early years.  As a high school band director, he sent many of his students to attend BLFAC and international program tours.  He managed the Marshall Music Company massive scholarship program for Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, in which thousands of scholarships were awarded to deserving students.  After his retirement in 2008, Mr. Fetter became a scholarship representative for Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.  In 2009 and 2010, he directed concert bands at the middle school sessions, where his groups received warm responses from the audiences.  In 2011, Mr. Fetter was appointed director of the BLFAC Session II high school wind ensemble.  2012 will mark his first tour with the Blue Lake International Northern Winds.