About Us

The Pine Creek Community Band was founded in 1990, with just seven members (2 percussionists, 4 instrumentalists, and Jeff Chambers our founder and former director.) From these minimalist Pine Creek beginnings, a robust organization has sprung. Today the band enjoys a membership of more than 60 musicians and includes both a traditional concert and jazz ensemble.

We welcome all musicians at any skill level. Auditions are not required. In the past few years our membership and our music library have enjoyed tremendous growth. We play challenging pieces, but our overriding philosophy is that we should all enjoy our time with the band.

The band rehearses twice per month on Sunday afternoons at the Hampton Presbyterian Church in Gibsonia. We have a summer season and a winter season with approximately six concerts per season.

Our Mission and Vision

The objective of the Pine Creek Community Band is to contribute positively to the musical environment of the area it serves - local, state, national, or international. The band provides an opportunity for individual musical expression and growth among the membership and for contact between and among musicians. We wish to reaffirm the community concert band position in American music.

Our Conductors

Meet the conductors of the Pine Creek Community Band. We thank them for their leadership and artistic influence.

Conductor

Randy Heide

I have a Bachelors in Music Education from the Duquesne University School of Music and also a Masters in Leadership & Liberal Studies.

I was recruited into Pine Creek Band by Jeff Chambers in 1991 as the sole bassoonist and assistant conductor for the organization. On Jeff’s retirement, I assumed the role of conductor 2 weeks before the opening Christmas Concert at UPMC Passavant Hospital.

My philosophy for Pine Creek is that of a true Community Band, where all are welcome, regardless of ability. There are no auditions. We will find a spot for you! However, that does not mean we are not serious about outcomes; a good performance is goal. Rehearsals, I hope, are fun but not without a bit of challenge. My selection of arrangements focuses on 4 principals.

Does it have a recognizable melody?
Will the band sound good playing the arrangement?
Will the band enjoy playing the arrangement?
Will the audience enjoy listening to the performance?

Hope to see and hear you soon!

Assistant Conductor

Jim Patnesky

I have a Bachelor of Music Education degree from West Virginia University. In a previous life, I was a music teacher/band director (K-12) in Greenbrier County, WV. I received a Computer Science Masters degree from West Virginia University after a five year teaching stint. Since then, I have worked as a Software Programmer/Designer, a V&V Engineer, a Software Quality Engineer, and a Manufacturing Quality Engineer at various companies in State College and the Pittsburgh area. I am currently retired, enjoying playing for and conducting the Pine Creek Community Band, and involved with singing and playing in various church choirs.

Band Officers

The Pine Creek Community Band is a volunteer organization. Officers are elected from its membership to facilitate the smooth and efficient operation of the band.

Thank you to all our volunteer leaders!