Rehoboth Concert Band welcomes new music director
Rehoboth Concert Band announced Steven Kieley as its next music director, succeeding Sharon Still, the organization’s co-founder.
Kieley comes to RCB from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., where he taught high school and elementary school band in the Wappingers Central School District for 34 years. Kieley’s bands were always very highly rated at festivals. Kieley continues to be an active performer on various woodwind instruments in groups ranging from chamber orchestras to pit orchestras, woodwind quartets, jazz bands and funk bands. Locally, Kieley plays with Delaware Winds, Vientos Quartet and the Delmarva Big Band.
“I am humbled and excited to be selected as the next director of the Rehoboth Concert Band,” said Kieley. “To be selected to direct this group with such a rich history of serving area musicians and audiences alike is a dream retirement gig for me. In the four and half years since my retirement from leading public school bands, I have come to appreciate how much I have missed being on the podium, selecting a program, rehearsing a band and preparing a program that is both interesting and entertaining for the members of the ensemble as well as the audience.”
Kieley comes to the band as the result of a rigorous search conducted in the fall, concluding in January, 2024.
“The main objective of the RCB music director search committee was to find a leader who would continue the high level of performance standards Sharon Still had created and with a vision for furthering the band’s community involvement and performance options,” said Neil Beahan, committee chair. “We were fortunate to have several capable candidates, making the choice very challenging. Our search committee committed many hours of deliberation before making our final recommendation and I’d certainly like to acknowledge their fidelity to the process.”
“I seek to encourage RCB members to reach our greatest potential by attaining and upholding our goals and traditions. While making rehearsing a fun, lively and supportive environment for musical collaboration, we will continue to strive for musical excellence,” said Kieley. “I have a strong commitment to serving both local band musicians seeking a performance outlet, and to local audiences. In essence I wish to honor the mission statement of the RCB, ‘to provide area instrumentalists opportunities to make beautiful music, while enriching community life.’ I look forward to writing my own chapter for the RCB, while honoring the mission, intent and vision of the group’s co-founder and long-time director, Sharon Still.”
Every band director brings a particular style and perspective to the podium. In just a few rehearsals, Kieley has established continuing high expectations while challenging the band’s musicians in new ways. His choice of repertoire is strong and varied, relying on some standard pieces as well as newer composers.
“While it is never easy to follow in the footsteps of someone as skilled as Sharon, Steve has managed to convey his passion for the music and attention to detail to the band in every selection and the band is responding well,” said Beahan.
Kieley’s public debut conducting Rehoboth Concert Band will be at the annual spring concert to benefit the Cape Henlopen Senior Center. With a Spring in Our Step is set for 3 p.m., Sunday, March 17, at Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach.
