The Jefferson Community Band was officially announced on February 2, 1967, in the Jefferson Times                                      under the direction of “Professor” Howard Voorhies. A native of Opelousas, Voorhies first played—and                                      at just nine years old, conducted—the Opelousas Town Band. His distinguished career included                                                   serving as State Supervisor of Music, Band Director at the University of Southwestern Louisiana, leader of the American Legion Band, and band director in the Orleans Parish School System. In 1963, he founded the first band program at Archbishop Rummel High School.

It was at Rummel that the idea for the Jefferson Community Band took shape. Several band parents suggested forming an “Old Timers Band” for adults who once played and still loved music. Twelve non-professional musicians answered the call, including Cyril Usner—the father of current member Ed Usner—three teaching brothers, other parents, and the school secretary.

The band began rehearsing in the Rummel Band Room, later moving to Jefferson Playground and then Cleary Playground, where membership opened to the public. Performances quickly became a community staple, with concerts at local malls and a popular weekly summer “Pops” series.

                                 

                                   In 1976, leadership passed to Ione Rasmussen, a trailblazing musician who performed with the all-                                             female Victoryettes and Rhythm Maids during World War II while earning her music degrees from L                                             Loyola University. She joined the band in 1969 as a clarinet and saxophone player and later served as                                       band director at Ridgewood Prep from 1971 to 2006. Under her leadership, the band expanded to                                               monthly concerts at churches, parks, nursing homes, shopping malls, Magnolia School, and more—                                            always free to the public.

                                   

                                    In 2006, New Orleans native and retired Jefferson Parish band director Joe Berthelot took the                                                       podium.  He led the band until his transition to “Conductor Emeritus” earlier this year and continues to                                     play euphonium with us today.