Our History

East Tennessee lacked quality homeschool music education when a Carson-Newman music major, Jeananne Nichols, decided to meet that need. She established the Knoxville Youth Christian Concert Bands, the forerunner of KCYB in January of 1995. Her vision was to provide a Christian environment where young musicans learned to honor God with their talents, developed character through the study of music, and formed a supportive community of relationships.

Over the years, the program grew and the bands progressed to higher quality advanced music. As interested allowed, a Jazz Band and small ensembles were formed. Many students have passed through the program and have gone on to enjoy the fruits of their participation. These have included not only homeschool students, but young people from private and public schools as well.

Our Mission Statement

KCYB is dedicated to excellence in music education for motivated school-aged students. Our purpose is to provide an environment for quality instrumental music education for homeschool, private school, and public school children in East TN. This is done by creating an educational setting founded on Christian values and by providing positive social experiences and outlets for creative musical expression. In addition, we strive to serve the local community by offering opportunities for public service through performances that are educational, entertaining, and uplifting.

Organization Structure

KCYB was organized as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in February of 2000, and is able to receive tax-deductible donations of any amount. KCYB is operated by a Board of Directors consisting of music directors and parents of band students.