About the Bellevue Community Band

The Bellevue Community Band (BCB) is a 70+ member adult symphonic band with membership drawn from the greater Seattle metropolitan area. The band has a rich history of musical excellence. Phillip Donley, band director in the Issaquah School District, is the Bellevue Community Band's artistic director, and Dennis Bloomfield is the band’s assistant director. This dynamic partnership provides the musical leadership over the BCB’s eleven-month season.

Our History

Bellevue Community Band was founded in 1962 and led for forty years by the late Bob Duvall. Bob Duvall taught in the Bellevue School District, directed the Bellevue Community Band and Olympia’s American Legion Band, and was administrator and associate conductor of the Birch Bay Band Workshop. He served on the Board of Directors for the National Band Association as Elementary & Junior High representative and as the Northwest Chairman in 1982, receiving their "Citation of Excellence" for his work with school and community bands. He was the founding president of the Washington State Association of Community Bands and served as its president until 2000. Bob was elected to the northwest Bandmasters Association, served as Trustee for the Windjammers, and was inducted into the Washington Music Educators Association Hall of Fame in 1998. Under Mr. Duvall’s baton, the BCB grew both in size and reputation, until his death in 2002. It is with the greatest affection, pride, and gratitude that he is remembered by the fortunate people who knew him.

The Bellevue Community Band provides an outlet for instrumental musicians who wish to continue music after their school experience. The band performs year-round for the public and at special events. The BCB is an all-volunteer ensemble and is a registered non-profit organization.

Our Directors

Phillip Donley, Artistic Director

Mr. Donley was named artistic director for the Bellevue Community Band in the Spring of 2006.

Phillip Donley received his Bachelors degree('98) and Masters degree('01) in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois. Currently Mr. Donley serves as Past-President on the VanderCook College of Music Alumni Board. He also serves as a staff member at the annual Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic.

This year is Mr. Donley's fourth year teaching at Liberty High School. Prior to his employment at Liberty High School, he taught at Loyola Academy College Preparatory High School in Wilmette, IL (a Chicago Suburb) for six years, where he served as director of bands. Mr. Donley directs the Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Pep Band. He is also instructor for Guitar I, II, III, Music Appreciation, World Drumming, and serves as the Music Department Chairperson.

Dennis Bloomfield, Assistant Director

Dennis Bloomfield is the Assistant Band Director for the Bellevue Community Band. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Ball State University and studied at the VanderCook College of Music. Mr. Bloomfield formerly taught instrumental music at John Glenn Junior-Senior High School in Walkerton, IN and Centerville High School and Middle School in Centerville, IN. Mr. Bloomfield started and directed the Walkerton Community Band and is the former conductor of the 3d Armored Cavalry Division Band at Ft. Lewis, WA. Dennis plays percussion in the Bellevue Community Band and has arranged music for several bands.