1976 marked the U.S. Bicentennial, Gerald Ford's final days as President, and the incorporation of a small but innovative computer company named Apple Computer, Inc. It was also the year Bruce Moss accepted an offer to join the faculty at York Community High School as Assistant Director of Bands alongside Director of Bands, Richard Blatti. His teaching assignments included the Cadet (9th grade) Band, Guitar, Music Appreciation, and assisting with the YHS Marching Band. Two years later, Moss succeeded Blatti as Director of Bands. He became Chair of the Music Department in 1982, fulfilling dual roles for five years as both Director of Bands and Department Chair.

Aside from the administrative duties for the music department, Moss's work as conductor of The York Concert Band brought the greatest challenge, and also the greatest rewards. The Concert Band was the highest performing of three wind bands at the school, and the majority of its members studied privately with specialists from the Chicago area. An array of impressive concerts and accomplishments for all of the bands laid the groundwork for a leave of absence from York in 1981 to begin doctoral studies with John Paynter at Northwestern University. Moss picked up where he left off upon his return to York in 1982.

The list of the The YHS Concert Band's accomplishments is long. There was a storied 2nd place finish at the 10th Illinois SuperState Concert Band Festival. And, as you might expect, ratings of "Superior" at a variety of contests and festivals, both at the state level, and in festivals held in the Chicago suburbs where the standard of excellence was very high.