RCHS Band Programs

Mr. David DeBoer, Director of Bands

Band Director David DeBoer

Originally from Richmond, VA, Mr. DeBoer is in his fourth year as director of bands at RCHS. He graduated from JR Tucker High School in Henrico County and received his Bachelor of Music degree with an emphasis in instrumental music education from James Madison University.

While at JMU, he studied Horn with Dr. Abigail Pack and Conducting with Mr. Scott Rikkers. Mr. DeBoer has worked as music staff with Riverbend High School, LC Bird High School, Courtland High School, Park View High School, Nottoway High School and Summer Band Camps at James Madison University in Harrisonburg.

While attending JMU, Mr. DeBoer performed with the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Horn Choir, Pep Band, as well as the JMU Marching Royal Dukes. He served as drum major from 2005-2007 for the Marching Royal Dukes. Mr. DeBoer performed with the Marching Royal Dukes in the New Year’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, 2008 and in the 2001 Macy’s Day Parade. He is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, a national honorary band fraternity, and MENC, the national association for music education.

Under Mr. DeBoer’s direction, the Rappahannock County High School Band received the title of Virginia Honor Band for the 2009-2010 school year. Mr. DeBoer is very proud of the students’ hard work and dedication and looks forward to another great year with the Rapp Band!!! Mr. DeBoer teaches the Marching Panther Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, Classical Guitar, 8th Grade Music Exploratory and assists with the Elementary School bands.

Ms. Rachel Siegfried, Assistant Band Director

Assistant Band Director Rachel Siegfried

A native of Maryland, Ms. Siegfried is in her first year with the Rappahannock bands.  A graduate of South River High School in Anne Arundel County, MD,  she studied flute with Gail Vehslage.  During high school, she performed in side-by-side concerts with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and the United States Naval Academy Band. Additionally, she was a member of the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra, the South River Marching and Concert Bands, and played piano in the South River Jazz Ensemble and Pit Orchestra.

Ms. Siegfried is a graduate of James Madison University with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education.  She studied flute with Dr. Beth Chandler and conducting with Dr. Stephen Bolstad. While at JMU, Rachel performed with the Marching Royal Dukes, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Chamber Orchestra, Pit Orchestra and Flute Choir. She served as flute section leader of the Marching Royal Dukes for two years.  She can be heard as a featured soloist on the 2009 Marching Royal Dukes CD.  She also performed with the Marching Royal Dukes in the 2008 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the 2011 London New Year’s Parade. She is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, National Honors Music Fraternity, and Sigma Alpha Iota, International Music Fraternity.

Ms. Siegfried has been on the staff of the Harrisonburg New Horizons Band, JMU Summer Band Camps, Anne Arundel County Public Schools Arlington Echo Band Camp, and Flute Fever Camp.

Ms. Siegfried is excited for a great year with the Rapp Band! She assists with the RCHS Bands, teaches high school choir, and is the band director at Rappahannock County Elementary School.

Mike Williams, Percussion Instructor

Percussion Instructor Mike Williams

Mike is in his fourth year as the drumline instructor for the RCHS Marching Band. Mike holds a degree in Percussion performance from Shenandoah University and he is currently obtaining his Master of Music/Pedagogy from Shenandoah University. Mike graduated from James River High School in Chesterfield, Virginia.

Mr. Paul Norris, Percussion/Marching Band Instructor

Percussion/Marching Band Instructor Mr. Paul Norris

Paul Norris resides in Rappahannock County in Amissville, VA. Paul is an active clinician, adjudicator and honor band conductor throughout VA. Paul is currently the Director of Bands and the Director of the Music Department at Swanson Middle School in Arlington, VA.

Stephanie DeBoer, Colorguard/Marching Band Instructor

Colorguard Instructor Stephanie DeBoer

Stephanie is in her fourth year as the color guard/marching band instructor for the RCHS Marching Panthers. She performed and served as drum major in her high school band in Norwood, MA. as well as performed with the winter guard throughout high school.

She marched mellophone with the James Madison University Marching Royal Dukes and performed on Horn and Trumpet in the JMU Symphonic Band and Concert Bands. Stephanie is a 2006 graduate of JMU and is currently obtaining her master’s degree in Health Communication from Boston University. Stephanie currently works in the Health Public Relations and Marketing field.

Mr. Steven Hrabak, Marching Band Instructor

Marching Band Instructor Steven Hrabak

Mr. Hrabak is in his fourth year as a marching band instructor for the RCHS Panther Band. He was born and raised in Shillington, PA, graduating from Governor Mifflin High School in 2000. While at Governor Mifflin, he was a member of the marching band since 7th grade and a member of the high school band leadership team for two years. Mr. Hrabak attended James Madison University and graduated with a Bachelors of Science and Masters of Art in Teaching. While at JMU, he was part of the Marching Royal Dukes, serving as section leader for three years and became a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, national honorary band fraternity. Since the fall of 2006 Mr. Hrabak has been a social studies teacher at Rappahannock County High School and the current advisor for Student Council.

Taylor Light, Woodwind/Marching Instructor

Taylor Light is a 2010 graduate of Rappahannock County High School. Taylor served as drum major from 2008-2010 for the RCHS Marching Panthers. She is currently obtaining her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences and Music Education from VA Tech.

Heidi Rechin, Brass/Marching Instructor

Heidi Rechin is a 2010 graduate of Rappahannock County High School. Heidi served as Trumpet section leader and brass captain in the RCHS Marching Panthers. She is currently obtaining her undergraduate degree in Trumpet Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University

2011-2012 Student Leadership Team

Drum Major – Katie Hale

Assistant Drum Major – Chris King

Percussion Captain – Matt Berta

Brass Captain – Lauren Light

Woodwind Captain – Daniel Schlosser

Colorguard Captain – Eleasha Clement

Front Ensemble Section Leader – Henry Mason