About the Kettering Civic Band
The Kettering Civic Band originated in 1959 as a 12-member ensemble at the Fairmont Presbyterian Church
in Kettering, Ohio under the direction of Paul Shartle. In 1960, it became part of the Kettering Adult School
and is now sponsored by the City of Kettering as part of its Park, Recreation and Parks Department.
The band consists of about 80 volunteer musicians representing a wide range of professions and vocations, all
sharing in the enjoyment of making music.
While high school band experience is the minimum requirement for membership in the Kettering Civic Band, many
have music degrees, have played in college or military bands, and some are retired professional musicians. The
concert season for the band includes regular performances in Kettering and in and around the greater Dayton,
Ohio, area.
The band performs a wide variety of music including marches, show tunes, classical, and contemporary pieces. The
band also features soloists from within the band and from the community. If you are interested in joining the
band, please click on "CONTACT US" above and fill in the form.
Kettering Civic Band - Directors
Catherine Abner Mrs. Abner is currently finishing her thirteeth year as Director of Bands at Valley View
Local Schools. In addition to her duties as band director, Mrs. Abner serves in the role of High School Choir
Director for the district. Before she was at Valley View, Mrs. Abner taught both choir and band for four years
at Ridgeville Christian Schools in Springboro, Ohio. In addition to teaching at Valley View, Mrs. Abner
maintains a private studio of flute, piano, and voice students from the greater Dayton and Cincinnati areas. An
active flutist and conductor in the area, Mrs. Abner is currently performing with the Burning River Winds
Woodwind Quintet, and is the Director of the Kettering Civic Band. She is thankful to have studied privately
with flutists and musicians such as Katherine Borst-Jones, Dr. Bradley Garner, and Jennifer Parker-Harley, Dr.
Leslie Maaser, Diane K. Gilley and David L. Keener
Thomas Jacobs Mr. Jacobs serves as the band's assistant director. He is a retired music educator with over
30 years of performing experience in both wind bands and symphony orchestras. He holds a Bachelor of Music
Education degree from the Ohio State University. He is currently a member of the Springboro Wind Symphony, served
as the principal trumpet of the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra for 35 years, and is the principal trumpet in
Centerville Community Band.
