Connie Kessel (RLB Music Director, Flute, Piccolo) is principal flute of the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra, performs with the Vassar College & Community Wind Ensemble, and the Hudson Valley Flute Ensemble. She is also active in the area as a free-lance musician and private flute teacher. She holds a B.M. degree in Music Education from SUNY College at Fredonia and a M.M. degree in Flute Performance with concentrations is Music Education and Conducting from Western Michigan University. Connie served as a Band and Music Teacher in the Pine Plains Central School District for 31 years. She is now retired and enjoying the time to pursue new musical opportunities.
Greg McCurty (Tuba, Conductor) started on cornet in 4th grade, switching to tuba in 7th grade and adding string bass before graduating from F.D.Roosevelt High School in 1970. He then attended Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. Over the years, Greg has been a member of numerous Hudson Valley groups, including The Last Chance Jazz Band, Mosaic, The Red Wing Blackbirds and the AFM Local 238 Marching Band (leader) & Concert Band. He is retired from Vassar College after 31 years of employment. Currently, Greg performs with the Rhinebeck Legion Band (since 2021), The Bearcats Jazz Band, Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra, the Saugerties Community Band and the Kingston Rotary Band.
Zach Povall (Bass Clarinet, Bari Saxophone, Conductor) has been a member of the Rhinebeck Legion Band playing clarinet and bass clarinet since 2016. He holds a B.M. in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia and an M.P.S. in Social Justice Education studies from SUNY New Paltz. Zach is a music educator, arts advocate, and freelance musician, working in the Hudson Valley area. When not teaching, Zach enjoys writing music and has begun self-publishing his works with J.W.Pepper. His recent publication, “Pulse of Triumph,” was premiered by the Rhinebeck Legion Band in 2024.
