Main Street Community Band Of Fairfax Welcomes New Conductor

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Henry Heidtmann was recently appointed director of the Main Street Community Band, which kicks off its new concert season this weekend, according the City of Fairfax Band Association.

The Main Street Band's first concert of the season will take place 10 a.m. on Saturday in Fairfax’s Old Town Square at the Fairfax Fall Festival. The ensemble will perform classic tunes by Alfred Reed and James Barnes, hits from “The Music Man,” and a tribute to jazz legend Chuck Mangione, as well some exciting works by contemporary composers.

“I love this ensemble because it’s everything a community band should be: people of all ages and backgrounds coming together simply because they love making music with each other,” Heidtmann said. “I want to maintain our signature blend of traditional band literature and fun, audience-friendly music that keeps people coming back year after year.

Heidtmann, an active performer and educator, has been a member of The Main Street Community Band since 2017, performing as a trumpeter and percussionist, as well as acting as assistant conductor. He also played for seven years with the Fairfax Swing Band and collaborated with numerous other ensembles across Northern Virginia.

“I'm also excited to expand our programming to highlight contemporary and diverse composers, and to find opportunities to share our music with new audiences through collaborations, commissions, and community partnerships,” Heidtmann said.

As associate director of bands at The Potomac School in McLean, Heidtmann has directed concert band, jazz band, pep band, and percussion ensemble for students in grades 4–12 since 2019.

A native of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Heidtmann earned his bachelor of music degree from Appalachian State University, where he studied conducting with John Ross and piano with Bair Shagdaron.

Heidtmann succeeds Main Street Community Band founding conductor Geoffrey “Jeff” Seffens, who retired in June. Seffens remains active in the City of Fairfax Band Association.

“Through his dedication to the Main Street Community Band, Henry brings a tremendous amount of energy and enthusiasm to the CFBA,” CFBA Music Director Dereck Scott said. “Henry shares my ambition of providing the very best experience for the band and audience of today, while nurturing and growing the CFBA of tomorrow.”