The Orillia Concert Band was formed in 1986. At the time, newly retired music teacher Bob Plunkett was invited to conduct the band. Under his leadership, the band began presenting programs in 1987 that have become an important part of the musical life of Orillia and surrounding areas, establishing a reputation for high musical standards.
Upon Plunkett’s retirement in 1997, Roy Menagh became the conductor and the band was know as the Orillia Wind Ensemble under his baton. Roy continued to develop the level of musicianship and established the series of concerts the band now presents.
In 2016 James Hilts took up the baton as the band’s new music director. The band also re-adopted it’s inaugural name, Orillia Concert Band. James was the music teacher at Patrick Fogarty High School and he came to the band as an award winning conductor. The band took another jump in musicality and reputation under his leadership.
The current music director of the Orillia Concert Band is Randy Hoover, who took over baton swinging duties full time in 2022. Randy’s experience and direction is taking the band to yet new levels.