1983
After the West Bend Independence Day parade, John Searle, a member of local choir and theater groups, questioned why there wasn’t an adult West Bend band. That December, he met with David Schleif, orchestra director for the West Bend School District, and four other area musicians and the band was formally organized.
1984
The first rehearsal was held in the spring, followed by the first concert at Old Settler’s Park on June 28. The band’s first parade appearance was July 4 of that year. Later that year, the “Brass Ensemble” formed, performing Christmas and holiday music. In 1990, the ensemble was renamed “River City Christmas Brass”.
1986
The “RCI German Band” ensemble formed, performing authentic German blasmusik. In later years, the ensemble was renamed “River City Blaskapelle” (Blaskapelle meaning “brass band”).
History
Directors
| Period | Director |
| 1984-2003 | David Schleif |
| 2004-2004 | Keith Reynolds |
| 2005-2014 | Dr. Daniel Ackley |
| 2014-2015 | Mitchell Milligan |
| 2016-2021 | Bill Berlyn |
| 2022-Present | Pamela Harrison |
Assistant Directors
- Bart Fojtik
- Joe Pieper
- Karen Wachholz
