CFBA MUSIC DIRECTOR: Conductor of City of Fairfax Band

A Rhode Island native, Mr. Pouliot received his Bachelor and Master of Music Degrees from the University of Connecticut at Storrs, where he studied conducting with Larry Rachleff, Gene Young, and Jerome Laszloffy. In 1984, he founded Connecticut’s Northeast Chamber Ensemble, a group dedicated to performing works written for chamber winds and small orchestral ensembles. Accepting a commission in the U.S. Air Force in 1986, he served as a band officer and spent the next seven years conducting Air Force concert and jazz bands on community and international relations tours in 15 states and in Central and South America. His time in the Air Force included a nationally televised performance on ABC’s Good Morning America celebrating the Fourth of July, and performances honoring former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. His military decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Mr. Pouliot is a member of the National Band Association and the College Band Directors National Association. He is a recipient of the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence for his contributions to concert band music in America. In 2015, Mr. Pouliot was recognized with the “John Mason Arts Achievement Award” which recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development of the arts (dance, music, theatre, literature, visual arts or other art disciplines within the City of Fairfax Community.
CFBA ASSOCIATE CONDUCTOR: Leader, Fairfax Swing Band

Rick Parrell is an active performer and teacher of jazz and classical music. After graduating from the Fairfax County school system, he attended George Mason University where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees. Mr. Parrell earned his Master of Music Education degree from North Texas State University. After teaching at NTSU for a year, he returned to the Washington, D.C. area to perform in The U.S. Army Band (“Pershing’s Own”). In addition to his service as principal saxophonist in the Army Band, Mr. Parrell freelances in various jazz groups in the Washington, D.C. area and has performed with such notable jazz artists as Lee Konitz, Gary Foster, and Louis Bellson. He is a member of the Washington Saxophone Quartet, a member of the trumpet section in the City of Fairfax Band, and the director of the Fairfax Swing Band. Since 1982, Mr. Parrell has been on the Applied Music Faculty of George Mason University. Rick Parrell who was honored by the George Mason University Alumni Association by naming him winner of the “Thomas W. Iszard III Distinguished Alumni Award.”
CONDUCTOR: Main Street Community Band

CONCERT HOST: City of Fairfax Band
