Meet the Conductors

Gordon Woodrow

Conductor, Performer, Educator

Gordon Woodrow is the Conductor of the River City Concert Band. He received his Bachelor and Master of Music Education Degrees from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. While working toward his Masters at Drake he served as a graduate conductor under the guidance of director Don Marcouiller.

Following graduation, Gordon became the band director at Glenwood Community High School in Glenwood, Iowa where he directed marching band, concert band, pep band and stage band. After 18 years he retired from teaching and became a computer programmer. He maintained a close relationship with the Glenwood School District, substitute teaching, managing the high school auditorium as well and announcing football games and track meets for over 40 years.

Shortly after retiring from teaching, Gordon and another retired director formed the Glenwood Community Band, both serving as co-directors of the group. In May of 2021 Gordon and his wife, Lori, decided to move to Jacksonville to be closer to their daughter and granddaughter and now have become grandparents to a second granddaughter. With a desire to continue his enjoyment of music, Gordon joined the trumpet section of the River City Concert Band and has now assumed the conducting duties of the group.

Matt McDowell

Associate Conductor, Composer, Performer, Educator

Matt McDowell is an active composer, arranger, music educator, conductor and performer currently residing in St. Augustine, Florida. Matt holds a bachelor's degree in music education from The University of West Florida and a master's degree in instrumental conducting from the University of South Florida. He has spent the last couple of years writing marching band shows and drills for various groups throughout the State of Florida. Prior to working full time as a composer/arranger he spent seven years teaching various levels of band and choir classes. During his time in graduate school, Matt served as a graduate assistant with the University of South Florida bands. His responsibilities included conducting concert ensembles, acting as a staff member with the Herd of Thunder Marching Band, and working as a teaching assistant for several conducting and music education courses.

Matt continues to enjoy playing trombone in various groups throughout St. Augustine, including the River City Concert Band and the St. Augustine Concert Band. Outside of music he enjoys traveling to new places, reading new books and watching sports (he especially loves baseball). Matt would like to thank Gordon Woodrow and the River City Concert Band for the opportunity to conduct. Matt loves the number of outstanding musicians who are able to use the River City Concert Band to continue their music education into and throughout adulthood.

Don Isabelle

Performer, Conductor, Educator

Don Isabelle is our River City Jazz Band conductor. He earned a BA Music Degree from the University of North Florida and an AA Degree from CFCC and has been teaching band for 32 years in St Johns County, FL. His bands have earned Superior ratings at FBA MPA and his Jazz Ensembles have performed at the NYC Jazz Festivals in 2014 and 2017.

He is a certified Solo/Ensemble and Jazz Adjudicator and has been in demand as a clinician in NE Florida. His professional affiliations include FBA, FOA, FMEA, FSMA, and NAfME.

When he is not teaching Don is the Principal Euphoniumist in the River City Concert Band, St Augustine Concert Band, leader of the River City Jazz Band and, with over 40 years of experience, continues to perform professionally as a pianist. Don has performed with many legends such as Tennessee Ernie Ford.

In his private life he is married to Kathe Isabelle for 38 years, who is also the music director of his feeder program. He has a daughter and a son that he is extremely proud of and both are accomplished musicians.