Sequim City Band

Now in its 35th year, the Sequim City Band is a nonprofit arts organization that serves Washington State’s North Olympic Peninsula. The band has grown into a vibrant year-round musical institution with more than 100 participating musicians ranging in age from 15 to over 80. Dedicated to performing, promoting, and preserving symphonic band music, the band provides opportunities for musicians of all ages to rehearse, perform, and share high-quality concert band repertoire with the wider community.

In a geographically isolated region without nearby university or college music performance programs, the band serves as the area’s premier community concert band and an important cultural resource. The ensemble presents at least eight full concert band performances annually— five in the summer and three in the winter—along with additional community ensemble appearances throughout the year. All primary concerts are offered free of charge, ensuring broad public access to live symphonic band music.

Our musicians reflect the organization’s wide regional reach, traveling from across Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap counties to rehearse and perform together each week. The band also maintains partnerships with multiple local school districts, welcoming student musicians into rehearsals and performances and providing opportunities for mentorship and musical growth.

Guided by dedicated artistic leadership, an active Board of Directors, and a strong network of volunteers, the Sequim Community Band continues to foster lifelong musicianship and community connection through music. Its long-standing commitment to accessibility, artistic excellence, and community engagement has made the organization a cornerstone of cultural life on the North Olympic Peninsula.

Conductor

Tyler Benedict has served as Music Director of the Sequim City Band since 2013. Under his leadership, the ensemble has grown significantly in both membership and artistic quality, strengthening its role as a cultural organization on the Olympic Peninsula. He has expanded the band’s repertoire to include traditional wind band literature, contemporary works, collaborative performances, and thematic programming designed to engage diverse audiences.

Benedict earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Washington, where he performed with the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, UW Husky Marching Band, and various chamber ensembles. While at the University of Washington, he studied conducting with Timothy Salzman. He later earned a Master of Music in Conducting from Southern Oregon University through the American Band College program.

As Music Director, Benedict has emphasized community engagement and regional collaboration, inviting ensembles such as Navy Band Northwest, the Port Townsend Summer Band, the Kitsap-based Hometown Band, and local high school programs to share the stage with the Sequim City Band. His work reflects a commitment to strengthening community band culture while maintaining high artistic standards.

In addition to his work with the Sequim City Band, Benedict has performed with orchestras and wind ensembles throughout the Pacific Northwest and currently serves as Principal Tuba of the Port Angeles Symphony Orchestra.