HISTORY

The Rogue Valley Symphonic Band, compared to many community bands across the country, is a relative newcomer. While other bands, including the Ashland City Band which includes several members of the RVSB, trace their roots back into the 1800's, our beginnings are much more recent. Here is how the RVSB began and how we got where we are today:

The Rogue Valley Symphonic Band was originally named "Rogue Valley Wind Ensemble" (RVWE.) The RVWE is now the parent organization of the Symphonic Band. The RVWE is a non-profit corporation under IRS and State of Oregon recognition.

The Ashland (Oregon) City Band has existed for many, many years and traditionally performs eight concerts in Ashland's Lithia Park from June through August each year. At the close of the final concert of 1987 clarinetist Pat Collins said to Frank Brugman, "It's too bad we don't have a band to play in the rest of the year". This prompted Frank to get together with some of the musicians to talk about forming a new band. The formation Board of Directors consisted of Penny Austin, Don Bieghler, Ray Gilette, Herb Greuling, Linda Harris, Dave Wight, and Frank Brugman.

The band's first rehearsal was in April of 1988 and the first concert (view program) was performed in Medford, Oregon's Bear Creek Park on Sunday July 10, 1988. Conducting honors were shared by Charles (Chuck) Mason and Don Bieghler with Mayor Jerry Lausman providing commentary and program notes.

Concerts to January 1990 were directed by, among others, Max McKee who was at that time Director of Bands at Southern Oregon College (now University) and Clarence Shaw, the father of the long-time conductor of the Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra, Arthur Shaw.

In January 1990 we were fortunate to welcome Bill Norfleet as our permanent Music Director. Bill had directed the Grants Pass High School Band, the University of Oregon Marching Band, and served as Associate Director of the University's Wind Ensemble. During his years directing our band he brought the group to new levels of excellence and prestige in the music community. At the end of the 1998-1999 season Mr. Norfleet stepped down. He continues with the band as saxophonist, Board member, and Assistant Director.

The baton was passed to Dr. David McKenzie, newly arrived in the Rogue Valley. Dr. McKenzie brought to us a wealth of music experience having directed symphony orchestras and concert bands in North and South America. His great talent led him to other endeavors including chairing the Chamber Music Concerts and serving as Music Director of the Britt Festivals. He served the Band for two seasons before leaving to pursue his other activities. During his tenure The Band instituted annual concert seasons, performing three times per year at Medford's Westminster Presbyterian Church. These concerts are a continuing function of the Band along with outside park concerts, performances for local schools, retirement homes, and special occasions.

The 2001-2002 season saw the search for a new conductor with Bill Norfleet directing in the fall and Yair Strauss conducting in the winter. Mr. Strauss had directed the Eugene Symphony Orchestra and later the Rogue Valley Symphony for several years.

Starting in 2002 Steve Kessler became our Music Director. Steve had just moved to the Valley to take the position as Band Director at Eagle Point High School. After one year he was offered the highly desired position as director at Medford North High School. Our Symphonic Band began rehearsing in his band room.

In 2006 schedule difficulties brought Steve Kessler's resignation as Music Director and the search for a replacement yielded Dr. Martin Behnke. He was a new addition to the Rogue Valley but a long-time musician and music educator, having recently retired from Willamette University where he had been, among other things, Chairman of the Music Department.

Following some serious health problems, Dr. Behnke was forced to retire and Bill Norfleet will return to the podium for the 2007-08 season.

The overall activities of the band are governed by the Board of Directors in cooperation with the Music Director who attends all Board Meetings. Officers are elected by the board. In addition to the current president, Ron Crouse, three other band members have served this post since incorporation: David Keil, Kathy Graves, and Frank Brugman. One third of the twelve Board members are elected each June by vote of the band for three year terms. This provides for continuity of direction for the group and hopefully its continuing success in future years.