We are VCCB
Our Mission
The Ventura County Concert Band strives to inspire, connect, and enrich our community through the power of music. Our mission is to create a welcoming environment where musicians of all skill levels can collaborate, learn, and share their passion for music. We are dedicated to performing a diverse repertoire that reflects the cultural fabric of our community and fosters a sense of belonging and pride, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of making music together.
Our Conductor
After seven years as the VCCB’s principal saxophonist, and following the retirement of our previous conductor, Dr Julie Judd, Dr Andrew LaFave was appointed conductor of the VCCB in 2024. Dr LaFave has been nominated for a Grammy Award, performed in venues from dive-bar basements to Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, and led high school bands in Minnesota and Nevada.
An approachable and encouraging presence in the rehearsal room and the concert hall, Andrew believes in creating an environment where musicians of all skill levels feel valued and motivated. His rehearsals are a blend of rigorous musical training and playful camaraderie, making each performance a shared celebration of collective achievement.
Dr LaFave holds degrees from St Olaf College, the University of Nevada Las Vegas, and the University of Southern California. He lives in Ventura with his wife, son, cats, and an alarmingly robust collection of tiki mugs.
Our Leadership
“Tuba Tim” Hansen - Chairman of the Board
Ralph Scaffidi - Manager & Chief of Operations
Karyl McLaughlin - Vice-Chair
Sarah Magee & Georgia B. Rodriguez - Treasurers
Susan Renteria - Secretary
Richard Hauge - Hospitality
Judy Willens - Publicity
Steven Young - Member-at-Large
Our Band
* Principal Player **Librarian
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Louise Bretz • Sarah Magee • Juliana Matos • Beverly Matsumura* • Lori Redding • Marion Rodd • Georgia B. Rodriguez • Judy Willens • Linda Zarlenga
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Cherie Greene Moraga • Susan Renteria*
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Susan Anderson • Ivan Howell • Karyl McLaughlin** • James Moore* • Kris Olson • David Praver • Mary-Claire Ramirez • Frida Salguero • Ralph Scaffidi • Amy Smith • Jennifer Wallace • Betty Wyeck**
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Raquel Martinez • Don Nardone*
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Kristen Robles*
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Sheena Dietz • Carlos Dominguez • Dianna Guerrero • Eduardo Giarch • Kingsley Hickman • Kevin Jimenez • Rachel Sears Castana • Raynard Solomon* • Tyson Tilmont • Kathy Waters
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Royer Cahuantzi • Rick Constantino • Duc Dao • Kerri Galgas • Mark Fischer • Merrill Hunter • Mike Hunter • Randy Jones* • Tom Kiddie • Stephen Kurasch • Roanne Pallasigui • Kris Vega • Craig Walker • Steven Young
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Lynne Doherty • John Donaldson* • Margaret Henrikson • Patrick LaFave • Elizabeth Mainz
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Alyssa Gomez • Richard Hauge • Ed Hufschmidt • William Klope • Shelly Lemons • Kevin Ying*
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Roger Johnson* • Kiya Luney • Marc Sallus • Mark Smith • Kay Swenson
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Jim Wade* • Tim Hansen • Gail Turner-Graham
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Nate Alday* • Tony Antinarelli • Megan Berman • Steve Graff • Jeffrey Robidoux
