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We consider the Fairfax City Band to be one of the true wonderful assets of this community...
— Robert Lederer, Mayor
City of Fairfax, VA



The City of Fairfax Band Association, Inc.
P.O. Box 1306
Fairfax, Virginia 22038-1306
(703) 757-0220 [voice and fax]
info@fairfaxband.org

Fairfax Swing Band

In the tradition of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and other big bands of the ‘40s, the Fairfax Swing Band has been wowing audiences since 1989 with music from the big band era through today's contemporary sounds. They’ve performed with such celebrities as Richard Dreyfuss, Stephanie Powers, and Sesame Street’s Bob McGrath.

The Band’s leader, Rick Parrell, is an active performer in jazz and classical music. He is currently the principal saxophonist with The United States Army Band ("Pershing's Own"). Rick is also a member of the Washington Saxophone Quartet and Ala Carte Brass and Percussion, as well as a professor of music at George Mason University. In addition to his performances with the Army Band and other area ensembles, Rick has appeared with such notable jazz artists as Lee Konitz, Gary Foster and Rich Matteson, and is a recording artist on the Maple Shade label. Rick is also the Associate Conductor of the City of Fairfax Band.

The Fairfax Swing Band consists of five saxophones, three trombones, four trumpets, a three-piece rhythm section, and a vocalist. The band members come from a variety of careers and backgrounds -- from federal government employees, military personnel, and teachers to lawyers, accountants, engineers, and business executives.

The Band is available for dances, weddings, concerts, conventions, parties and other events.

Contact Information

Rick Parrell
3104 Savoy Drive
Fairfax, VA 22031
e-mail: darric@aol.com

Performance Venues and Events

Hotels and Clubs
Chantilly Country Club
Congressional Country Club
Evergreen Country Club
Fauqier Country Club
Ft. Myer Officer's Club
Greenbriar Country Club
Hyatt Regency
McLean Hilton Hotel
Ritz Carlton
Washington Hilton Hotel
Westfields Marriott

Concerts
Fairfax County and Fairfax City
  Summer Parks Programs
Greenbriar Park Series
Lake Accotink Park Series
Manassas Summer in the
  Park Series
Mason District Park Series

Events/Parties
Annual Celebrity Waiters Luncheon
Cox Communications and Arts Council of Fairfax A Call to the Arts Telethon
Decatur House Museum
Fairfax County Business and the Arts Luncheon
Fairfax County Family Night
  at Wolf Trap Farm Park
Flying Circus Balloon Festival
George Mason University Basketball
International Children’s Festival at
  Wolf Trap Farm Park
McDonald’s Corporation
Opening of the Wolf Trap Farm Park's
  1989 summer season

Corporate Affairs
Deltek Systems, Inc. Winter Gala
Knights of Columbus Holiday Party
St. Johns Community Service Winter Gala

Testimonials

...close your eyes and you were swept back to the days of Tommy Dorsey and Glen Miller. And they played music from more modern eras, as well. This especially appealed to the younger members of our staff. They call themselves a swing band, but they are so much more. The Fairfax Swing Band gave our employees a night to remember…and one that will demand encores in years ahead.

Ken deLaski
President & CEO
Deltek Systems, Inc.

...thank you for participating in the Bob McGrath Show for the special 25th anniversary. The appearance by the Fairfax Swing Band added a special touch to the show and the Festival.

Toni McMahon
President & CEO
International Children’s Festival

...the Fairfax Swing Band continues to be an important and appreciated part of the celebration. We certainly enjoy the professional sound and appearance of the group. Thank you once again for making the 1998 celebration such a success. I know we will be working with you again in the near future.

Thomas E. Waldrop
Chairman, President and CEO
Media General Cable
Chairman of the Board, Arts Council of Fairfax County

...thank you and your wonderful musicians for participating in the 1998 Business and Arts Luncheon. the Fairfax Swing Band continues to impress people with its musicianship and "adaptability" to special requests. Rick Parrell certainly adds a special touch to his leadership.

Toni McMahon
President & CEO
Arts Council of Fairfax County

...thank you so much for providing such elegant entertainment during our Business and the Arts Luncheon featuring Richard Dreyfuss. The music created a wonderful atmosphere during the luncheon and was thoroughly enjoyed by over 700 guests. The Chamber appreciates your support of this prestigious event, and we look forward to the opportunity to work with the Fairfax Swing Band in the near future.

Angela L. Suarez
Manager, Programs
Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce

About Joining the Fairfax Swing Band

The Fairfax Swing Band is an all-volunteer ensemble consisting of approximately 18 members from all walks of life. Periodically, positions become available in the Band. If you are interested in joining the Band, please send an e-mail message to darric@aol.com. In the message, please include your complete mailing address, daytime and evening telephone numbers, and e-mail address along with a brief statement of your musical experience. Please note that we can neither predict nor guarantee that any openings will occur.