About Us
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.
Our Conductors
Tom Dean
Tom Dean of Newburgh retired in 2022 after 32 years teaching instrumental music in Indiana, most of them at his alma mater, Castle High School. Under his direction, Castle's wind ensemble earned 20 ISSMA State Finalist honors and the marching band became a 2017 Bands of America Class 3A National Champion and Sudler Shield recipient. He holds degrees from Ball State and Bowling Green State universities and remains an active clinician, adjudicator, and consultant.
June 14
Pat Stuckemeyer
Patrick Stuckemeyer is a conductor, arranger, and educator based in Evansville and a 1999 graduate of Reitz Memorial High School. He serves as Director of Bands at Kentucky Wesleyan College, where he leads the Wind Ensemble and teaches in the Music Department. He holds degrees from Capital University, the University of Kansas, the Royal Northern College of Music, and a DMA from Arizona State University. Pat lives in Evansville with his wife, Mary, and children, Emma and Max.
June 21
June 28David Smith
David Smith retired last year as superintendent of the EVSC, capping a career that began there in 1982. Along the way he taught and directed instrumental music at Benjamin Bosse, F.J. Reitz, and Thompkins Middle School, producing 12 State Finalist appearances, before moving into administration. A longtime member of the ESB and a frequent guest conductor, he is also a trumpet player and founding member of the Evansville Brass Quintet.
November 29Kim Fillingim
Kim Fillingim retired in 2018 after 31 years as a music teacher and administrator with the EVSC. He previously conducted the Evansville Symphonic Band from 1998 to 2007 and has led numerous EVSC honors bands and orchestras. He holds degrees from the University of Evansville and Indiana State University, plays trombone in the Evansville Brass Quintet, and serves as recording engineer for the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra.
Our History
We are lucky to have a rich history with incredibe musicians guiding our way through the decades. Please take a quick tour of our history through the years below.
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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.
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Concerts were moved to the Mesker Amphitheater upon its completion.
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The band continued to function under the leadership of several different conductors after Mr. Shepard’s retirement in 1970, until the late ’70s.
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James Chandler reorganized the band under its current name, The Evansville Symphonic Band.
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1991 – 1997
John K. Koehler was appointed Conductor in 1991 and served until 1997.
1998
Kim Fillingim was appointed Conductor of the Band.
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2000
The Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Coliseum became the new location for the band’s June concert series.
Early 2000s
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.
2007
Mr. Fillingim retired as director of the band after the 2007 concert season.
2008
Dr. Timothy Zifer was appointed as the new director, and the band held the first Big Band Bash – a fundraiser for the organization.
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2014
Mr. Kim Fillingim returned as director. The concerts are now being held at Central High School.
Board President
Dr. David Smith
Board Vice President
Tom Dean
Conductor/Music Director
Kim Fillingim
Board Secretary
Randy Wheeler
Board Treasurer
Kim Fillingim
Board of Directors
Board Members
Candace Adye
Richard Bernhardt
Beth Daily
Tom Dean
Jeff Deig
Jeffrey Heiger
Kristie Kirsch
John Miller
Kelly Patterson
Luke Smith
Pat Stuckemeyer
Morgan Wilkinson
Rebecca Wolf
Timothy Zifer,
Conductor Emeritus
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-years’ experience and professional status.