The Leader of the Band

by Liz Tenney Jarvis

On Tuesday, April 11, 2023, Rick Reaves was recognized by the Town of Purcellville for his decades of teaching, volunteering and contributing to the betterment of the community. After Mayor Stan Milan read through an extensive list of achievements, Reaves remarked on what a pleasure it has been to live, teach and volunteer “in such a wonderful place.  It’s truly been a blessing.”

On the eve of his retirement, after 40 plus years of teaching, Reaves looks at this award as special though it is one of many recognitions he has received as a musician, teacher, band leader, volunteer firefighter and coach.

Reaves’ lifelong love of music stemmed from his very early exposure to compositions spanning from jazz to classical. He was just seven years old when he started on drums. Growing up in Endicott, New York, Reaves participated in marching bands (fife and drum, bugle corps). However, it was his love of the tuba that brought him to Union college in Kentucky on a full scholarship.

Reaves describes going after a junior grant that enabled him to bring a music program to Saint Camillus school in nearby Corbin, KY.  He was able to start this initiative while still studying at college. This would set a precedent for establishing/ramping up future music programs in Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia schools.   

Reaves taught at Shepherd, Jefferson High School and another W.V. school. Having moved to Loudoun County in 1983 with his wife Nancy, Reaves would be hired by Loudoun County Public Schools in 1994. While at Park View HS, he would establish an all-county jazz group featuring guest artists and achieving all-district top status. He helped restart the all-state jazz band which had been inactive for some eight years. Reaves adds that in his early years in Loudoun, “there were four high schools and now there are eighteen!”

As he and Nancy raised their three children, Jason, Jasmine and Jen, and 1999 marked the year that Reaves joined Loudoun Valley High School where he would run the band program. Reaves also continued to direct, sing and play the trombone in his 16-piece jazz band – a favorite at holiday performances, music festivals and special concerts in the region. Reaves also does play “Taps” each year as a featured part of Purcellville’s program to commemorate Memorial Day.

During his time in Loudoun, Reaves would volunteer for the local fire department and coach County Rec baseball (for 13 years) as well as softball. The band program at LVHS would turn out to have an impact on generations of students and win numerous awards and accolades.

As Reaves reflects upon what he is most proud of, he simply says, “all of the kids that made fantastic music over the years … it’s the reason I get up every morning.” And what of all of those students?  Reaves indicates that several are on concert tours, one is in the L.A. Symphony, fifteen are high school or middle school band directors and “many are making a living in music.” He feels he has influenced a good number to enter into the fire and rescue units as well.

As a forty-year volunteer firefighter, Reaves helped to put forth significant accomplishments – a new fire and rescue building in Purcellville and bringing about the Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue to name a few.  

Reaves plans to spend his retirement taking some trips by train. He also wants to catch up on many projects on his farm. With constant rehearsals throughout the year, he has not had the time to devote to “clean up” the property. He is also looking forward to spending time with his grown children and their families. There are grandchildren who he can now focus on as well.

After so many years, Reaves does not think that the methodology of teaching has changed. “There is no magic formula. You start small and work up. It’s 15 percent talent and 85 percent work.”  As far as any future advice for students and/or teachers, Reaves doles out his two mottos:  strive for better each time; the only thing that gets in the way of success is attitude.

Once June 9 LVHS graduation has marked Reaves’ retirement, the living legacy will be on hand if needed to transition Stone Bridge High School’s Megan Stallings as she starts with LVHS.

Rick Reaves will not go quietly however. His Rick Reaves Jazz played on the stage at the annual Purcellville Music and Arts Festival on April 29. They will also be a part of the Hillsboro Concert Series in the Gap, August 11 at 7 p.m.