About Us

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 70 amateur 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 played in college or military bands, and some are retired professional musicians. The concert season for the band includes performances at retirement homes, festivals, parades and the concert park series in several communities in southwest Ohio.

The Kettering Civic Band has been a goodwill ambassador for the City of Kettering with concert tours to Kettering, England and Steyr, Austria. The band has also performed in Germany, Italy, Scotland and Wales. The Kettering Civic Band toured Canada with concerts in Toronto, Stratford, Chatham and Ottawa and also participated in the Ameriflora Exhibition in Columbus, Ohio.

The band is under the direction of Mrs. Catherine Abner, who is currently Director of Bands and the High School Choir Director at Valley View Local Schools.

The KCB is an all-volunteer organization always eager to welcome new members who are passionate about making great music. A commonly asked question from prospective new members is, "When would be a good time to begin attending rehearsals?" The answer is that it depends on our concert schedule (available at www.ketteringcivicband.org/event-calendar). Prospective new members are welcome to observe any of our Monday night rehearsals, or to participate musically in any Monday night rehearsal except the three rehearsals prior to a concert. This ensures consistent instrumentation as we make final preparations for the upcoming performance. Possible exceptions to this policy in the interest of the ensemble may be discussed with the Director. We look forward to making great music together!

Please use the contact form if you are interested in joining.

Our Director

Catherine K. 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