History

In Memphis, Tennessee, which is internationally known for its musical heritage including blues and Elvis Presley, musical talent is not limited to paid professionals. Memphis is home to many talented, non-professional musicians too. Though not choosing to make a career out of music, these musicians also are not content to let their horns sit idly in a corner of the attic.

So they come together and form bands – not because their parents make them, or because they have to use a band scholarship to help pay for college. They come for their love of music, the challenge of being a better performer, and for the fellowship found among musicians like them.

One community concert band in particular has long been a part of the Memphis music scene. With roots in Memphis dating to the mid-70's, the River City Concert Band is a community band in the truest sense of the phrase. Though this first group formed to play only summer concerts, the band has been a year around operation since June 1983. Since 1987, artistic leadership of the River City Concert Band has been in the capable hands of one of the Mid South's most experienced directors, Dr. Sidney J. McKay. Dr. McKay is the former Director of Bands at the University of Memphis, and, upon his retirement in 2003, was named Professor of Music Emeritus at the University.