Mr. Clair E. Christy

Clair Christy (seen at left conducting the dedication of the Band Room in 1996) is the Principal Conductor and Music Director of the Melbourne Municipal Band. He also was the founder of the MMB's Swingtime Dance Band, which he conducts as well.

Mr. Christy's educational background includes a B.M.E, and M.A.E., and additional post-graduate hours. He studied conducting under one of the National Symphony's principal conductors and trumpet with the first chair players from both the Pittsburg and National Symphonies.

He has performed with the United States Army Band in Washington D.C., the Mantovani Orchestra, the Arlington, Fairfax, and Florida symphonies, and has held the Principal Solo Chair with the Space Coast Pops and the Glendale Brass.

Mr. Christy has conducted on all levels of school bands and orchestras, including college level. He has guest conducted and adjudicated All-County and All-State musical groups. He has also given private instruction on a variety of instruments as well as music theory classes.

Mr. Christy's wife, Nancy, teaches string instruments and performs on her violin locally. The Christys have two daughters and a son that perform professionally in several organizations.

Mr. David A. Ewing

Mr. Ewing (seen at right with Band President Judy Good) has been the General Manager of the Melbourne Municipal Band for several years. He is a trumpet specialist, and holds the Principal Solo Trumpet seat in the MMB. He also plays in the Swingtime Band as well as numerous other organizations in the area, including the Space Coast Pops and Melbourne Community Orchestra. He also is the Music Director & Choir Director for the LDS church of Brevard County.

Mr. Ewing was the founder and Director of the Melbourne Youth Band and is the Director of the Brass Choir. He was also a founding member of the East Coast Brass Quintet.

An accomplished music teacher and performer, Mr. Ewing is a graduate of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mr. Ewing holds a B.M. and B.M.E. in Music Performance and Music Education (Cum Laude). He has also attended the Monclair State Teachers College, Passaic County Community College and the State University of New York.

Before coming to Brevard County, Mr. Ewing performed with a variety of organizations, including the Catskill, Utica, Colgate, Garden State, Eastern Philharmonic and International Symphonic orchestras.

He has directed numerous school bands, some of which include Butler, Norwich, Rampo Regional, Indian Hills, and more. He has also conducted bands for schools in Brevard County, such as Rockledge & Cocoa High Schools and Holy Name of Jesus.

Mr. Ewing is available for private instruction on a variety of instruments for students of all ages.

David's wife Donna plays euphonium and they live in Rockledge, Florida. Their son is also an accomplished trumpet player.