Richard Allen Alderman

     Mr. Alderman retired in 1993 after 35 years of instrumental music instruction at the grade school and high school levels including 21 years at Pontiac Township High School (1972-1993). He has served 42 years as conductor/manager of the Pontiac Municipal Band which plays a series of eight concerts in the summer and marches in area parades.

     Mr. Alderman has played his trombone professionally since age 16 and after 27 years retired from playing lead trombone in the Johnnie Kaye Orchestra from Peru, IL. The band played for ballroom dances all over the midwest and on seven Caribbean cruises. He also enjoys playing in the family quintet called “The Holiday Brass” which plays for weddings, church services and community celebrations.

Mr. Alderman enjoys teaching young musicians through private instrumental lessons and has served as guest director, clinician and adjudicator at various concerts, contests, and festivals and at Illinois Summer Youth Music at the University of Illinois.

     He is an active member of the American Federation of Musicians, ILMEA, International Trombone Association, Livingston County Community Concert Association and Phi Beta Mu Bandmasters Fraternity. He received the Outstanding Band Master Award in 1991 from the Illinois chapter of Phi Beta Mu and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 1998.

     Mr. Alderman earned an undergraduate degree from Illinois state (Normal) University and a masters degree from the University of Illinois. He also did graduate study at Western Illinois University, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater, and Illinois Wesleyan University.

     Mr. Alderman and his wife, Lynn, have three grown children (Lon, Laura, and LeRae) and nine grandchildren.