The Arlington Community Band

Joe Van Riper is a doctoral candidate at George Mason University studying conducting with Professor Anthony Maiello.  

He earned a bachelor's degree from Principia College in Elsah, IL, where he studied music and sports management.  Joe worked for 2 major league baseball teams before committing fully to music and earning a master's degree from Illinois State University. At Illinois State, he studied wind conducting under Dr. Stephen K. Steele.

Joe was awarded a full graduate teaching assistant ship, where he conducted the University Band, assisted with the marching band, and co-directed the ISU pep bands.  He also played in and conducted the Illinois State Wind Symphony, which produced a number of recordings on the Albany Record label. With the ISU Wind Symphony and Albany Records, Joe performed 7 world premiere pieces of new wind band literature.

From 2002-2006, Joe organized and led a popular Dixieland band called the Flying Weasels that performed throughout the St. Louis area.  During his time at George Mason University, Joe conducted the GMU Symphony Orchestra as well as the Chamber Orchestra.  

He also performed trumpet in the Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra, and appeared as a guest performer with the United States Army Band, Pershing's Own.  Prior to coming to George Mason, Joe also taught briefly at Principia College in the music department.

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!