Founded in 1988, the Bob Barr Community Band was established as a memorial tribute to Robert M. Barr, the director of the Jordan High School Band, in Columbus, Georgia, from 1946 to 1963. It was under his direction that the Jordan High School Band achieved the highest acclaim, winning many state and national titles. As a teacher and friend, he was a positive influence on the lives of hundreds of young people and was named one of the 100 most influential people in the Chattahoochee Valley in the 20th century. He died in May 1988.
The Bob Barr Community Band is a concert band of more than sixty volunteer musicians composed of physicians, engineers, superintendents, teachers, nurses, law enforcement, business leaders, students, and professionals who enjoy playing concerts for the entertainment of the community. The age range for the group is 15-94 years of age.
The Bob Barr Community Band has maintained a magnificent selection of conductors through out it’s history. Dr. George Corradino served as the first conductor (1988-2011) and Fred Catchings (2011-2023) conducting. Currently, the band is under the baton of Dr. Oliver C. Boone. The band has a Performance Repertoire of over 80 selections including marches, Broadway show hits, concert and symphonic selections, big band and pop tunes, seasonal songs and patriotic numbers. The band plays approximately 40 rehearsals and 10 performances per year entertaining over 3,000 people annually.
Bob Barr, a native of Hartford, Oklahoma, attended high school at Wewoka HS in Oklahoma. A graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, he also studied at the University of Alabama, University of Georgia, Oklahoma State Teachers College, and Auburn University. A published composer and arranger, he was awarded the First Chair of America by the National Band Organization and the Teacher of Excellence Award by the Valley Forge Foundation. He directed the Jordan HS Band of Georgia from 1946 to1964 where he led them to national attention. He served as guest conductor for the All State Bands of Alabama; Oklahoma; Florida, North Carolina; South Carolina; and the All-Canadian Band.
The Official Band of the High School Band Director's National Association
The Bob Barr Band started as a passion project by a group of music enthusiasts who wanted to create a platform that makes music easy and fun.
We welcome new members. Practices are Monday evenings 7:00-9:00 PM at Jordan High School Band Room 3200 Howard Ave Columbus, GA