Jazz Band

David O’Neill, Jazz Band Director 

Mr. O’Neill is a graduate of West Chester University, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education as a trumpet major. He has taught in the Colonial School District for over 20 years, beginning at Conshohocken Elementary and then Colonial Middle School where he continues as the Instrumental Band Director. At Colonial Middle School Mr. O’Neill teaches daily music classes & group lessons and also directs the Concert Band, Wind Ensemble & Jazz Band.

In 2006 Mr. O’Neill attended the University of Florida (UF) on a full scholarship. While at UF he was the assistant conductor of the University Symphony Orchestra and played lead trumpet in the UF Jazz Band and piano in the UF Wind Symphony. In 2007 he recorded Maynard Ferguson’s “Maria” with the UF Jazz Band and played piano on the 2008 Wind Symphony CD. In 2008 he graduated with a Masters degree in Piano Performance.

Mr. O’Neill maintains a busy schedule of teaching and performing. He can be heard playing locally in high school musicals as well as A Touch of Brass, the Montgomery County Concert Band and currently directs and plays lead trumpet in the Montgomery County Jazz Band. Mr. O’Neill also maintains a private studio for trumpet and piano students.

Alto Sax

Adam Tucker – Music Educator
Debbie Swiren – Music Educator

Tenor Sax

Mike Seifried – Web Developer
Andrew Hitchner –

Bari Sax

Jack Knapp –

Trumpet

Devin Doughtery – Music Educator
Neil Goldberg – Engineer
Ed Neiderhiser – Graterford Prison Chaplain (ret.)
David O’Neill – Music Educator
David Wetherill – Music Educator

Trombone

John Braun – Editor
Gerald Cocchiaro – Physician
Steve Klugman – Industrial Specialist
Greg Lucado – University Professor
Steve Rhindress – Professional Musician (Tuba)

Piano

Joyce Haraway – Music Educator

Guitar

Tom Braun – College Student

Bass

Sam Haines – Holistic Practitioner

Drumset

Paul Smith – Music Retail

 

Just like Tuba Christmas, the jazz band will operate under the auspices of the MCCB. While players from the concert band are invited and encouraged to participate, other players in the community who are interested in playing jazz charts in a big band setting are welcome.

In early 2012 Steve Frederick and David O’Neill met to discuss two new ideas for the Montgomery County Concert Band. The first was an out-reach program to start side-by–side concerts with area middle school Music programs. The second was the formation of the Montgomery County Jazz Band.

In March of 2012 the MCCB had its first side-by-side concert with the Colonial Middle School Wind Ensemble and in March of 2013, the Montgomery County Jazz Band gave its first performance at the Colonial Middle School jazz festival.

The Montgomery County Jazz Band strives to continue the musical excellence of the MCCB connecting with audiences through a big band venue. A majority of the group is comprised of members of the MCCB, who have a wide variety of daily occupations and backgrounds. The Montgomery County Jazz Band gave its first public performance in July 2014 at Quakertown’s Concerts in the Park Series.

The jazz band is part of the MCCB and is a 501c(3) non-profit organization dependent entirely on donations from the public. Formal concerts during the year are free to the public; a free-will donation is accepted.

The Jazz Band rehearses once a month and plays a wide variety of big band styles from Glenn Miller, Stan Kenton, & Maynard Ferguson to name a few.