The Russ-Town Band currently performs 4 events a concert season in the Ruston area, with rehearsals on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9:00 PM. Musicians with previous experience who are interested in learning more about the band can email conductor@russtownband.org.

Chris Heidenreich, conductor

Dr. Christopher P. Heidenreich began his tenure at Louisiana Tech in the fall of 2021 after serving at the University of Michigan-Flint since 2009. Prior work includes three years at Youngstown State University as well as fourteen teaching public school in Ohio. He completed his Doctor of Music in Wind Conducting from Indiana University (2006), holds a Master of Arts in Music Education from The Ohio State University (1998), and a Bachelor of Music degree from Bowling Green State University (1989) where he graduated cum laude.

From 2011-2021 he served as Conductor and Music Director of the Washtenaw Community Concert Band of Ann Arbor, Michigan. In 2002, he was awarded the American School Band Directors Association's “Distinguished Band Director” Award for Ohio and the North Central Region, and in 2013 UM-Flint awarded him the Faculty Distinguished Service Award. The Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association granted him with an Honorary Membership for service to the state in 2020.

Heidenreich is a member of the National Association for Music Educators, Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, the College Band Directors National Association, National Band Association, and a lifetime member of the National Eagle Scout Association. He and his wife Beth have two children, Jillian a doctor of Occupational Therapy, and Daniel, a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Air Force stationed in Tuscon, Arizona.

Mary Wilkinson, assistant conductor

A native of Patterson, Louisiana and graduate of Ruston High School (1992), Mary Leggett Wilkinson is an instrumental music educator with 28 years of experience. She is currently the Administrative Coordinator for the Dean’s Office in the College of Business at Louisiana Tech University. Prior work includes 20 years at Louisiana Christian University as adjunct faculty of flute and music education in conjunction with teaching public school band and general music in the parishes of Avoyelles, Rapides, and St. Mary. She holds a Master of Music Education (2012) and a Bachelor of Music Education degree (1996), both from Northwestern State University of Louisiana.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Wilkinson has participated in community band, serving as a flautist, librarian, and substitute conductor for the Red River Wind Symphony (previously the Louisiana College/Cen La Symphonic Band) in addition to coordinating and conducting the group from 2022-2024.

Her professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, Louisiana Bandmasters Association, Louisiana Music Educators Association, Louisiana District II Band Directors Association, and Sigma Alpha Iota.

In 2002 Mrs. Wilkinson was recognized as the Avoyelles High School Teacher of the Year. She was named the Louisiana District II Band Directors Association Band Director of the Year for 2007 and the Louisiana Bandmasters Association 2016 Bandmaster of the Year. In 2022, Mary was honored with the Louisiana Bandmasters Association Distinguished Service Award in recognition of 21 years of service on the LBA Executive Board.

She and her husband Douglas have two daughters: Noelle, a 3rd year Mechanical Engineering major, and Marlaina, a 2nd year Interior Design major; both attend Louisiana Tech University.

The History of the Russ-Town Band

The Russ-Town Band was formed by Lawrence and Jan Gibbs and Charles and Anne Gaushell in March of 1994. Collectively, they felt a need for summer and Holiday entertainment in the Ruston area, and the "community band" concept was making an impressive nationwide comeback. Ruston was developing great plans to improve the entertainment throughout the area, and they felt "the time was RIGHT."

The "founders" had been active local musicians in North Louisiana for years and were great friends. Jan and Lawrence were members of the Ouachita High School band under the leadership of Jack W. White in the late 1960's. Anne and Charlie were members of the legendary LSU Band under the direction of L. Bruce Jones and friends with LSU Associate Director of Bands, Mr. Oscar Barnes. Mr. Barnes would move to Ruston to take over at Ruston High School, and after his retirement from teaching, Mr. Barnes was approached and agreed to begin as director and conductor of the newly formed Russ-Town Band. Mr. Gibbs assumed the role of Assistant Director/Band Manager and Principal Clarinet of the band.

The Russ-Town Band became an instant success in North Louisiana performing yearly concerts in Ruston Railroad Park, the Dixie Center for the Arts, Ruston High School, and various other locations. In 1996, the band expanded to include "The Russ-Town Jazz Band" and various chamber music ensembles. The band quickly became an integral part of the Ruston music scene. The band performed at many Ruston Peach Festival events offering its' annual Patriotic Concert along with performing every Christmas Season with "Christmas at the Dixie" concerts. There were many years in which the band was able to perform "Spring Serenades" and an extra "Summer Concert" at Ruston High School. The band was organized as entirely volunteer and non-profit.

In 2001, Mr. Barnes handed over the baton to Mr. Gibbs to continue building upon the previous successes. Mr. Gibbs continued to conduct and manage the band until he turned over the ensemble in 2022 to Dr. Chris Heidenreich, Director of Bands at Louisiana Tech University.

In 1994, the original mission and goal of the Russ-Town Band was to simply "improve the local cultural atmosphere of Ruston, LA."

We continue with our mission.