Mrs. Rhonda Stees is the proud Director of the Massanutten Youth Brass Band (MYBB). The band was created by she and her husband in 2010 for high school and college brass and percussion enthusiasts. The band was well received and has enjoyed great support since its beginning by students, band directors, colleges and others in the community.
Rhonda Stees currently teaches as an adjunct faculty at both James Madison University (JMU) and Bridgewater College (BC). Her experience in music education is broad and varied. Mrs. Stees earned her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Illinois and a Master of Music from Arizona State University. Prior to coming to the Shenandoah Valley, Mrs. Stees taught public school in Phoenix, Arizona teaching band, choir and general music.
Initially in Virginia Mrs. Stees taught orchestra and served as the VA Orchestra Chair for the VA Music Educator Association & VBODA. Since then she had served for nearly 20 years as the Wind and Percussion Coach for the Shenandoah Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra and served as interim conductor for the group numerous times in conjunction with her college teaching.
Mrs. Stees has served as a JMU University Supervisor for Music Education student teachers for over 20 years. Additionally, her teaching at JMU has included music appreciation, coaching chamber groups, and currently teaching Woodwind Techniques and Instrumental Music Methods for Vocal Majors. At BC Mrs. Stees has taught a variety of music education courses and taught within the oboe and string studios. She serves as Director of the BC Chamber Strings and has been guest conductor and clinician for various band and orchestra events.
As a private teacher Mrs. Stees’ students have regularly earned college scholarships, won solo competitions, placed in top seats in the All State Orchestra, and been chosen to participate in such festivals as the Sewanee, Interlochen and Brevard summer festivals.
Mrs. Stees is excited to be the Director of the MYBB; it’s a great place for making music with students who wish to grow and set a high standard. The MYBB is a regional ensemble that has had anywhere from 9 - 13 schools represented. The band enjoys great music making, a wonderful rehearsal atmosphere, and ties to both the JMU Brass Band and the Massanutten Brass Band.