NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA CONCERT BAND
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The Orillia Concert Band (OCB) is pleased to announce Randy Hoover has been named the band’s new Musical Director.
If you saw one of the two OCB Christmas concerts in December you had the opportunity to see Hoover conduct the band as he filled in for James Hilts who was on a leave of absence.
Hilts, unfortunately, has had to extend his leave of absence indefinitely and subsequently, when approached, Hoover agreed (in consultation with his wife, Heidi) to take on the OCB’s Music Director’s role full time. His appointment was confirmed by the band Monday night at the OCB’s Annual General Meeting.
Randy Hoover has been a contributor to the Orillia music community for many years.
He has a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Western Ontario as well as a Master’s of Education degree from St. Mary’s University. He holds an Associate Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Trumpet Performance.
Hoover taught secondary school music in Nova Scotia, Shelburne and Orangeville; and has directed several concert and jazz bands in music festivals including Boston, Quebec City, Winnipeg, and Austria.
Locally, Hoover has played trumpet in the Orillia Concert Band, solo cornet in the Orillia Silver Band, trumpet in the Sensations Rhythm and Blues Band, and trumpet with the Mariposa Arts Theatre.
He is founder of the Leacock Brass Quintet and has been conductor of the Orillia Silver Junior Band. He continues to perform in church and community functions as well. He is the founder of the Jazz Standards Trio and is also the music director of Orillia’s Little Big Band.
Hoover is looking forward to assuming the full-time directorship of the Orillia Concert Band and wishes to thank the OCB for affording him this opportunity.
The Orillia Concert Band has been blessed with outstanding music directors since it was formed by Stan Passfield in 1986: Bob Plunkett; Roy Menagh; James Hilts; and now Randy Hoover.
Congratulations Randy on your appointment. The Orillia Concert Band looks forward to entertaining audiences from Orillia and area under your inspired, experienced leadership.
Information on the Orillia Concert Band and upcoming concerts is available on the OCB’s Website and Facebook page.
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