Director

Pamela Harrison retired from teaching 5-8th grade band in June 2011 after teaching in the Cedarburg Public Schools for 31 ½ years, although she did come back to teach the CHS Bands from November 2015 until the end of the school year.  She attended Waukesha South High School, graduated from Lawrence University Conservatory of Music with an Instrumental Music Education Degree and received her master’s in teaching from Aurora University.  From her elementary school days in Manistee, Michigan to her wonderful musical experiences at Waukesha South High School and Music for Youth (currently MYSO), to the exemplary education she received at Lawrence, Pam was surrounded with successful and meaningful music programs with talented and caring teachers throughout her school years.  By high school she was hooked for life!  Pam wanted to be just like her former teachers and directors and be “instrumental” in the lives of students entering their first experiences with band and music.

After teaching in Ithaca, WI for three years, Pam joined the Cedarburg Public Schools in 1980.  Pam says “teaching beginning, middle and high school band let me live the dream! There are no dull moments.  The “AHA” moments are frequent with student musicians and there can be no larger reward than that for a teacher.”  She stays connected with the Cedarburg Bands by coaching students on their solos and ensembles and helping band directors out whenever she can.  She is the advisor for the Webster Color Guard and has been on the CHS Marching Band staff since 2011.  Pam also keeps busy as a 40+ year member of the Knightwind Ensemble, helping with the Tri-County New Horizons Band as well as playing with various small woodwind ensembles.  She is also a master adjudicator for the WSMA Solo and Ensemble and Band Festivals.

Pam is really looking forward to directing the West Bend Community Band – River City Irregulars – in 2022!  She has been a part of the wider band community since 1964 and knows what a joy it is to both be a performer or an audience member at band concerts all over the United States.  In these times, we all need a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of camaraderie with our fellow musicians, and the ability to give joy to our communities.  I am privileged to be a part of RCI and help continue their legacy of giving the gift of music to their fellow citizens.