University of Rio Grande’s New Band Director Bringing Christmas Concert to Campus

University of Rio Grande is proud to announce the recent hiring of John Eckstine as the new Director of Bands. Eckstine, a highly experienced music educator, comes to Rio from Monmouth College, where he led both the Athletic Band and Symphonic Concert Band.

This Spring, Rio announced the addition of Marching Band, along with Football, to its growing list of campus activities. Eckstine is also starting a Pep Band, which will be on hand for select basketball games this fall and winter. 

In partnership with the Portsmouth Wind Symphony, Eckstine is excited to bring a special Christmas Concert to Rio. The event will be held on Thursday, December 5, at the John W. Berry Fine & Performing Arts Center. The Portsmouth Wind Symphony, formerly known as the Portsmouth Community Orchestra, has been enhancing the local community's appreciation for live music since 1993.

As for Eckstine, he brings over 30 years of expertise in music education to his new role, holding a Master of Music in Instrumental Wind Conducting from Messiah University and a Bachelor's in Music Education from Frostburg State University. 

His career is marked by numerous accomplishments, particularly during his tenure as Director of Bands and Instrumental Music Specialist at Spring-Ford Area High School. Under his leadership, the marching band earned widespread recognition, winning five Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast Group IV championships and three Cavalcade of Bands Yankee Open Class titles. The band also performed at prestigious events such as the Hollywood Christmas Parade, the Magnificent Mile Holiday Parade in Chicago, and the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade.

In addition to these achievements, Eckstine's wind ensemble received an invitation to perform at the 2009 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Annual In-Service Convention, and all of his ensembles consistently achieved superior ratings at various competitions and festivals.

Eckstine's contributions to the music community extend beyond college and high school bands. He has served as a brass instructor with the Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps and the Bushwhackers Drum & Bugle Corps and remains active as a clinician, adjudicator, freelance musician, guest conductor, and band consultant. 

For more information about the band program at Rio and ticket details for the Christmas Concert, please visit www.rio.edu/music.