PLAN YOUR
Honoring a Legacy of Leadership, Creativity and Community
For more than six decades, Mark Felder shaped the sound, spirit, and soul of Monroe County’s musical community. 
Mark directed the MCCC College/Community Symphonic Band for over 34 years – and after 29 years leading the award‑winning Jefferson High School Band – Mark’s influence can be felt in every rehearsal room, every performance, and every musician who has discovered joy through making music.
From the very first ensemble of just six members in 1982 to the remarkable 100‑member symphonic band that performs today, Mark has never missed a beat. His vision, creativity, and relentless commitment have elevated the MCCC band into one of southeastern Michigan’s most admired community ensembles.
Mark’s leadership brought distinguished guest artists to Monroe, inspired innovative multimedia performances, introduced the Collage Concert concept to our campus, and expanded the cultural reach of the College through international collaborations. His five‑year commissioning initiative – culminating in Epochs of the Great Lakes – added new works to the repertoire and strengthened MCCC’s role as a center for artistic creation.
Perhaps Mark’s greatest legacy is the community he built: a band of musicians ages 18 to 89, from all walks of life, united by the simple joy of making music together.
Today, we have the opportunity to honor that legacy in a meaningful and lasting way.
Our Goal: $25,000 to Name the Band Director’s Office
We aim to raise $25,000 to secure the naming rights for the Band Director’s Office at Monroe County Community College to provide an enduring tribute to Mark’s decades of leadership, innovation and mentorship. This space has been the creative heart of the program for decades.
Naming it in Mark’s memory ensures that future students, musicians and community members will know the legacy of the man who built and sustained this remarkable ensemble.
Thanks to a generous challenge gift from Mark and Ann Felder, the first $10,000 donated will be matched dollar‑for‑dollar. Your contribution goes twice as far in celebrating Mark’s extraordinary service.
If contributions reach our $25,000 goal, all funds raised will be dedicated to establishing the Mark and Ann Felder Endowment for the Performing Arts at MCCC.
This permanent endowment will provide a perpetual stream of annual support for the band and orchestra, helping to:
• Enhance performances
• Bring distinguished guest artists to campus
• Purchase instruments, equipment, and technology
• Support innovative programming and commissioned works.
The endowment ensures that Mark and Ann’s passion for music, education and community will continue to inspire future generations.
For questions regarding the Felder Endowment, contact Erin Steel at 734-384-4200 or esteel@monroeccc.edu.
Join Us in Celebrating a Maestro
Mark Felder gave this community a lifetime of music, mentorship and imagination. Now, we have the chance to give something back – something lasting, meaningful and worthy in memory of his extraordinary career.
Your gift honors the past, strengthens the present and builds the future of the performing arts at MCCC.
Together, we can ensure that Mark’s legacy continues to resonate for generations.
See below for a list of events that involve the Monroe College-Community Symphony Band: