The Dave Dickey Big Band features 18 of the top jazz musicians from St. Louis, Edwardsville, Columbia, Springfield, and Champaign, Illinois. Many of the band members are also top music and jazz educators teaching at schools such as SIUE, Mizzou, UMSL, Webster, Southwest Missouri State University, Lindenwood, St Charles Community College, University of Illinois, and public schools in the area. The Dave Dickey Big Band features music by big band greats like Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Woody Herman, Stan Kenton, Buddy Rich, Thad Jones / Mel Lewis, and many others. The band also performs music of contemporary composers, including original compositions and arrangements from members in the band.

In addition to leading the DDBB, trombonist Dave Dickey is the Director of Bands at St. Charles Community College and teaches jazz trombone and improvisation classes at UMSL.