History

History of the Williamsport Community Band

For many years, local Williamsport resident and Town Councilman, Nelson Deal had an idea for a "Town Band". As a voice for Williamsport, Deal had helped bring the town pool and Conococheauge Little League to Byron Park. In 1989, working with then Williamsport Mayor, John Slayman and Williamsport High School Band Director, Susie Kunkle, they brought the Williamsport Community Band to life. Under the direction of Susie Kunkle, and starting with a mere 30 musicians, the band began performing annual spring, summer, and Christmas concerts for the local community. Nelson Deal, appropriately, was "the voice" of the Williamsport Community Band and officially recognized as Announcer Emeritus.

Susie and Noel Kunkle continued to lead the band and build it into not just a small community band, but a charitable organization that brings music to the community year after year, supports fellow organizations, and helps build future generations of musicians. The band is comprised of over 60 volunteer musicians from around the tri-state area ranging from retired veterans to students. 

One of the great traditions of the Williamsport Community Band is the annual summer concert under the Williamsport July 4th fireworks show. This concert brings patriotic music to the small and thriving community of Williamsport. Residents are treated to traditional marches and songs throughout the evening, and cap off the night of American spirit with some of the tri-state area's best musicians performing "The 1812 Overture" and "Stars and Stripes Forever" while fireworks explode overhead. 

In 2017, Noel and Susie Kunkle retired from directing the band. Although retired, Noel still is found with his trombone as a key presence in the brass section, and Susie will still come to the stage and direct the favorite march of Williamsport, "Proud Heritage." They are both officially recognized as Director Emeritus within the band.

Today, John Slick and Micah Socks continue to lead the band with classic and new music for the town of Williamsport. Carrying on with the traditions from Nelson Deal, the partnership from Mayor Bill Green and the Town Council of Williamsport, and the lessons from Susie and Noel Kunkle, the Williamsport Community Band remains a strong fixture in Williamsport, MD, enriching the lives of many throughout the year.