Originally called the Richmond Secondary Schools Representative Band, it was formed in 1976 as an honour band with a six-week season. The band continued through 1977 and in May 1978 performed for Richmond’s sister city twinning ceremonies in Wakayama, Japan. In September 1978, the band became a permanent fixture in the Richmond fine arts community, changed its name to RYCB, and grew into its current format of a full concert band with jazz ensemble. The RYCB has enjoyed the directorship of music educators Ken Hackwell, Earl Hobson, Len Kay, Garth Bowen, David Fromager and its current director, Campbell McLeod, who is now in his 8th year of conducting RYCB.
In the past, the RYCB travelled to Britain and the Northwest Territories, as well as participating in numerous festivals in the Lower Mainland and sharing the stage with the Richmond Orchestra, Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Wind Symphony, Delta Youth Orchestra and Richmond Youth Orchestra.
The RYCB has always been involved in the community, performing at various venues such as senior centres, community events (Steveston Salmon Festival and Santa Claus Parade, Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion Run), Expo’86, and the Richmond O-Zone for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
In 2008, RYCB celebrated its 30th anniversary, which was also British Columbia’s 150th anniversary. RYCB was fortunate to have the support of the provincial government to commission music to celebrate the event.
The Richmond Youth Concert Band is not part of the Richmond School District’s Fine Arts Program. It is a separate entity and relies on membership fees, fund raising events and various grants to fund its program.
Supporting the Community
The RYCB supports its community by providing opportunities for band members to raise funds for other community organizations. Over the years, RYCB has been involved in fundraising events for the development of Gateway Theatre in Richmond, Tsunami Relief, Richmond Family Place and our ongoing partnership with the Richmond Food Bank. We have also supported the Rotary Club in their annual Winter Wonderland event.
The Richmond Food Bank Society is the recipient of the RYCB’s community support. In March 2026, RYCB will hold a Spring concert at Gilmore Park United Church as a fundraiser for the Food Bank. Admission to the concert is a donation (in cash or non-perishable food) to the Food Bank.
In May every year, RYCB holds its Music for Moms concert, close to Mother’s Day. The band members work diligently preparing for the performance and the parent association works equally hard organizing the event. It is the culmination of a successful year’s work of putting together a fantastic repertoire of great music!