The Arlington Concert Band

James Kirchenbauer, a native of Toledo, Ohio, received his post-secondary education at Oberlin College.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Music in trumpet  performance and a Master of Music Teaching, earning Phi Beta Kappa and Pi Kappa Lambda honors.  Formerly Mr. Kirchenbauer taught at Crossland High School and Taney Junior High School in Prince George’s County, Maryland.  He has served as: director of the Prince George’s County Junior Youth Orchestra, as assistant director of the Metropolitan Police Boys and Girls Club Band in Washington, DC, as trumpet instructor at the Westchester Music and Arts Camp in White Plains, NY, and as a clinician for the Toledo Glassmen Drum and Bugle Corps.  An accomplished vocalist, Mr. Kirchenbauer sang for six years in the 13-member professional choir at St. John’s Church, Lafayette Square in Washington, DC.  He has performed as a  member of the trumpet section of the Capital Wind Symphony, the Fairfax Wind Symphony and the Virginia Grand Military Band.  Solo experience includes appearances with the McLean Symphony and the Virginia Grand Military Band. 

In 1982, Mr. Kirchenbauer was appointed band director at McLean High School.  After his first August rehearsal, which included only 33 students with one percussionist, the McLean Band grew and matured into one of the most respected instrumental music programs in the nation.  The McLean Symphonic Band made three appearances at the Bands of America’s “National Concert Band Festival” in 1995, 1999 and 2006.  They were the featured performing group at the Virginia Music Educators  conference in 2006 and also in 2002, appearing with the Boston Brass. They performed at the 2006 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago Illinois.  In 2000, the John Philip Sousa Foundation awarded the McLean Symphonic Band the Sudler Flag of Honor, the most prestigious recognition a high school concert band can receive.  Mr. Kirchenbauer is a member of the Music Educators National Conference, the American School Band Director’s Association, National Band Association and the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association.  He served as the Performing Arts Department Chairman at Mclean High School for 20 years and was selected as McLean’s 1996-97 Teacher of the Year.  Mr. Kirchenbauer enjoys skiing, scuba diving and cooking in his spare time.  He resides in Arlington, Virginia with his wife Lisa, and their three sons, John and twins, David and Robert.

Join Us Today!

Arlington Community Band aims to be an ensemble that will not only provide a local opportunity for musicians, but will serve as a promoter of music, music education and community.

Tell your family, tell your friends, get that instrument out and join the band! 

Visit the Contact Us link on the right hand side of the page and tell us about yourself!