About the band...
The Williamsport Community Band met for the first time during the summer of 1989. Practice was held on the gazebo at Byron Memorial Park in Williamsport. There were about 30 musicians in attendance. None of the musicians were exactly sure what the band was going to sound like, but all of them were convinced that the adventure would be fun.
The mayor at the time, John Slayman, and long time town resident, Nelson Deal, wanted this day to happen for a very long time. They had been on a mission for years to develop a "town band". They finally convinced Susie Kunkle, a Williamsport native and former director of the Williamsport High School Blue Band to give it a try.
From that summer day in the park in 1998, the band has grown in number and in quality of musicianship. The band boasts a membership of 60 + excellent musicians from all walks of life. Members come from the tri-state area, including Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. All are volunteers and enjoy playing because of their love of music.
The band presents two indoor concerts per year in December and May. During the summer months, the band performs concerts in the Tri-State area. One of the most impressive concerts of the summer is held on July 4th with a huge celebration and fireworks celebrated by thousands of people. The event is held in Byron Memorial Park in Williamsport. The idea of this great celebration was generated by the band several years ago and has developed into an all-day affair.
From that first summer day in the gazebo to the present, the band has developed into an icon in Williamsport and the surrounding area. The band had the honor of performing at the Maryland Community Band Day during the summer of 2012. This was a great honor to be accepted to perform. The band has developed from an idea to reality...a fun adventure to an excellent musical organization...and a respected representative of the town of Williamsport.
The mayor at the time, John Slayman, and long time town resident, Nelson Deal, wanted this day to happen for a very long time. They had been on a mission for years to develop a "town band". They finally convinced Susie Kunkle, a Williamsport native and former director of the Williamsport High School Blue Band to give it a try.
From that summer day in the park in 1998, the band has grown in number and in quality of musicianship. The band boasts a membership of 60 + excellent musicians from all walks of life. Members come from the tri-state area, including Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. All are volunteers and enjoy playing because of their love of music.
The band presents two indoor concerts per year in December and May. During the summer months, the band performs concerts in the Tri-State area. One of the most impressive concerts of the summer is held on July 4th with a huge celebration and fireworks celebrated by thousands of people. The event is held in Byron Memorial Park in Williamsport. The idea of this great celebration was generated by the band several years ago and has developed into an all-day affair.
From that first summer day in the gazebo to the present, the band has developed into an icon in Williamsport and the surrounding area. The band had the honor of performing at the Maryland Community Band Day during the summer of 2012. This was a great honor to be accepted to perform. The band has developed from an idea to reality...a fun adventure to an excellent musical organization...and a respected representative of the town of Williamsport.
About the Director...
Mrs. Mary C. (Susie) Kunkle
Mrs. Mary C. (Susie) Kunkle
Mrs. Kunkle is retired from the Washington County Public Schools as Music Resource Specialist. She has 30 years experience in elementary and secondary vocal and instrumental music. She was the director of bands at Williamsport High School for 13 years, where her concert band, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble and marching band consistently received excellent and superior ratings at national and international festivals. She also served as a concert band director for student European tours for 15 years. Mrs Kunkle has served as guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.
Mrs. Kunkle is a graduate of Frostburg State University with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. Her graduate work was done at Shippensburg University (PA) in Administration and Supervision.
Mrs. Kunkle was the recipent of the Washington County Excellence in Education Award. She is a member of the Music Educators National Conference and has served two terms as the Western Region President of the Maryland Music Educators Fine Arts Education Advisory Panel. She has been the recipient of the MMEA Outstanding Music Teacher Award for the Western Region.
Mrs. Kunkle is married to Mr. Noel T. Kunkle. Mrs. Kunkle is honored to be able to conduct the Williamsport Community Band that is part of a town that is very dear to her.
Board of Directors:
President - Allen Rodgers
Vice President - Anthony Thimm
Secretary - Neil Bohner
Treasurer - Donna Spickler
Board Members
Steve Donaldson
John Mitchell
Rayetta Schetrompf
Brian Sigler
Membership Contact: Brett Smith 301-991-5199
Vice President - Anthony Thimm
Secretary - Neil Bohner
Treasurer - Donna Spickler
Board Members
Steve Donaldson
John Mitchell
Rayetta Schetrompf
Brian Sigler
Membership Contact: Brett Smith 301-991-5199
