About Us
The Evansville Symphonic Band Mission
The Evansville Symphonic Band is committed to continuing the tradition of free band concerts, to foster music and the arts, and to attract new audiences in our community.
Through the presentation of the best in band literature, the band will strive to increase public awareness and appreciation for live performances. Opportunities will be provided for young musicians to observe, hear, and perform with a professional band. The band will combine with other arts organizations to enrich and further its mission. The band will continue to provide employment and performance opportunities for local musicians and engage them in programs of high artistic quality.
Historical Highlights 1947 to the Present
Summer of 1947 – Wesley Shepard presented the first Tri-State Concert Band outdoor concert on the front lawn of the Evansville College Administration Building, July 10, 1947 at 7:30 p.m.
1949 – The band concerts were moved to Bosse Field. The Mesker Musical Trust began financially supporting the band.
Concerts were moved to the Mesker Amphitheater upon its completion in the early ‘50’s.
The band continued to function under the leadership of several different conductors after Mr. Shepard’s retirement, until the late ‘70’s.
In the early 1980’s James Chandler reorganized the band under its current name, The Evansville Symphonic Band.
After the 1990 summer concert season, John K. Koehler was appointed Conductor of the band.
Mr. Koehler retired as director of the band after the 1997 concert season and Kim Fillingim was appointed as the new director.
In 2000, the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Coliseum became the new location for the band’s June concert series.
In addition to its series of concerts, the band has played for the dedication of the Roberts Stadium renovation; the dedication of the Korean War Veterans Memorial; the dedication of the Visitors and Convention Center Pagoda in Sunset Park; and the World War II memorabilia display at Casino Aztar.
Mr. Fillingim retired as director of the band after the 2007 concert season.
In 2008, Dr. Timothy Zifer was appointed as the new director, and the band held the first Big Band Bash – a fundraiser for the organization.
The launch of the Evansville Symphonic Band website www.evansvillesymphonicband.org in 2009 allowed fans to keep up with the band all year.
Board of Directors
Larry Eifler, Retired Band Director
Keith Farny (Co-Operations Manager), Band Director with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp.
Kevin Kim Fillingim (Past Conductor), Band Director with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp.
Sally A. Gries (President), Development Director for St. Mary’s Warrick Hospital Foundation
Jeff Heiger (Co-Operations Manager), Band Director with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp.
Elizabeth Jordan, Sabic Innovative Plastics
Thomas Josenhans, Assistant Professor of Music with the University of Evansville
Kristie Kirsch (Co-Librarian), Broker/Owner, Century 21 Solid Gold Realty
Dr. Edwin Lacy, Professor of Music with the University of Evansville
Rita Roth (Co-Librarian), Retired Musician
Tim Smith (Personnel Manager), Personnel Manager with the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra
Richard Sprinkle, Retired Band Director
Dr. Kenneth Steinsultz, Director of Bands with the University of Evansville
Jennifer Wuchner (Business Manager), Office Manager with Habitat for Humanity of Evansville and Bookkeeper with Old North United Methodist Church
Dr. Timothy Zifer (Conductor), Associate Professor of Music with the University of Evansville
Band Members
Members of the band include professional musicians, educators, and others not in the field of music but who maintain a high level of performance on their instrument. The members of the Band are selected annually based on prior-year’s experience and professional status.