Almost everyone who's even mildly interested knows that the big band scene in the US isn't what it used to be. On the other hand, the big bands aren't yet dead, as some alarmists have claimed, or even on life support. Thanks in part to college and armed services programs, there are perhaps as many or more admirable bands in cities large and small than there were during the peak of the so-called big band era. The problem is, fewer people are able to hear them, as economics have prevented the bands from traveling cross-country as they once did, thus giving rise to the premise that they are no longer viable. While that isn't really the case, there's no doubt that big bands as an entertainment choice are on the decline, and have been for some time now. But in places where big bands seem to have died, or at least disappeared, the news isn't uniformly grim; enterprising supporters have sometimes taken bold steps to help ensure their survival. One such place is Jacksonville, FL. In the midst of doom and gloom, it's a success story that should be heard.

In 1984, Jacksonville resident Ira Koger, having seen and assessed a need, formed the St. Johns River City Band to "help keep Jazz and American music alive through performance and education." One year later, the mayor and city council named the SJRCB Jacksonville's Official Band. That same year, the band entered into a long-standing partnership with the Duval County School Board. Its popularity grew throughout the 1980s, bolstered by an appearance at Carnegie Hall with guitarist Chet Atkins and performances with jazz legends Lionel Hampton = 7376 and {{Al Hirt, the last at the annual Jacksonville Jazz Festival.

In May 1990, the state legislature designated the SJRCB Florida's Official Band, and it was chosen to take part in the 1990-92 State Touring Program. By this time, ancillary groups had been added (as of August 2009 the number is eight), and the Jazz in 3D Series showcased the brass and swing bands performing with pianist Dave Brubeck, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie and singer Della Reese. Meanwhile, the SJRCB commissioned an anthological history, Jazz: A Great American Tradition, at four high schools. This provided the impetus for the St. Johns River City Youth Band, comprised of twenty-six students who performed at various events in the Jacksonville area. In March 1990, the SJRC Brass Band performed with trumpeter Doc Severinsen at the Florida Theatre.

With momentum now on its side, the St. Johns River City Band Guild was formed in 1992, while the band appeared with singer Rosemary Clooney, again at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. In 1994-95, Rhythm on the Road traveled to neighborhoods in Orange Park, Jacksonville Beach, Mandarin and Riverside, presenting free concerts, while the SJRCB was chosen again for the State Touring Program, a tradition that would continue for the next ten years. The band also performed in '95 at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, this time with Dr. John. Three new programs were begun in 1996-97. Lollipop Pops, in partnership with Theatreworks and AT&T, entertained about 3,500 children and their families. The SJRCB partnered with WJCT public radio for Oktoberfest, which drew more than 1,400 attendees. And through the mayor's office, the band performed for the Mayor's Intensive Care Neighborhoods program in Royal Terrace and College Gardens. As a bonus, the Maynard Ferguson band performed in concert and conducted afternoon clinics for local high school and college students.

The narrative since then epitomizes one achievement after another.

1998-99: The Youth Band presented a concert for 1,200 elementary school children from the Mayor's Intensive Care Neighborhoods on jazz instrumentation and sounds, and also performed for schoolchildren at Metropolitan Park. Jazzin' It Up concerts were presented for more than 3,000 elementary and middle school children. At the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, the band performed with the New York Voices and Manhattan Transfer. As plans were being discussed on starting the SJRCB School of Music, the band established a concert series at a local college and performed in Hemming Plaza for Gov. Jeb Bush, at the Historical Society's Preservation Celebration, and at the inauguration ceremonies for Mayor John Delaney and Sheriff Nat Glover. Also in 1999, the SJRCB released its first CD, Swingin' Up the River. That summer, the band opened negotiations to purchase and renovate the historic Snyder Memorial Church to be used as a performance venue as well as an administrative office and home for the School of Music. Weekly concerts were held along with a summer music camp. In the fall, the organization was awarded two state grants for the renovation of the Snyder Church.

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