Page 1 Ringgold Band News, Fall, 2006

American Music atits FinestBy Jim Seidel, Musical Director

On October 15,2006, theRinggold

Band will onceagain take centerstage at StokesayCastle for anotherevening of greatmusic and wonder-ful fellowship. This year’s pro-gram of music will re-volve around the ingenious pen ofGeorge Gershwin. George Gersh-win was born in Brooklyn, NewYork, in 1898. He came from afamily showing very little interest inmusic, however young George be-gan taking piano lessons at an earlyage and later studied compositionwith Rubin Goldmark. Selling several million copies,the song Swanee was his first truehit. He wrote countless wonderfulsongs. Of course his folk operaPorgy and Bess is a work which hasstood the test of time as did AnAmerican in Paris. Many of thesewonderful songs will be presentedthrough medleys, and our vocalist,Debbie Greenawald will present avery special rendition of music fromPorgy and Bess, an arrangementfrom her days with the UnitedStates Navy Band. Of course the signature tune that“made” George Gershwin was theimmortal jazz piano concerto, Rhap-sody in Blue. Band leader PaulWhiteman commissioned Gershwinto write this work in 1924 and itwas premiered by the Whitemanorchestra that same year. Dr. Lowell Hepler of AlleghenyCollege will be our featured soloistfor this work. Dr. Hepler is a re-nown musician of the Pittsburgharea, and you will see why as he“tickles” the keys of this wonderfulwork.

Of course no Ringgold concertwould be complete without some ofthat famous John Philip Sousa mu-sic all band audiences love. Sousawas a friend of Gershwin and, as

was customary of the time,composed a humoresque onSwanee as a tribute to his be-loved friend. The program willhave that liberal sprinkling ofmarches by American compos-ers and will conclude as al-ways with John Philip Sousa’sStars and Stripes Forever. We look forward to seeingmany of our faithful band lov-ers on Sunday, October 15 at

6:00 in historic Stokesay Castle.It will be an evening of beautifulmelodies you will be singing theentire ride home and beyond!

Dr. Lowell Hepler receivedhis Bachelor of Music Edu-

cation degree  from Clarion Uni-versity of Pennsylvania and hisMaster of Fine Arts in Musicfrom Carnegie Mellon Universi-ty.  He received his Ph.D. fromCase Western Reserve University. Dr. Hepler is very active in theconducting and performing fields.He is currently the chairperson forthe Allegheny College Departmentof Music, where he is also Professorof Music and Director of Bands. Hedirects the 100-member AlleghenyWind Symphony and the 45-mem-ber Allegheny Wind Ensemble. Dr. Hepler teaches courses inmusic history and research, alongwith applied piano and tuba.  Underhis direction the Allegheny ensem-bles have toured the eastern UnitedStates, with performances in Bos-ton, New York, St. Louis, Washing-ton, D.C., Miami and numerousother locations.  Dr. Hepler is afrequent guest conductor for musicfestivals ranging from Countythrough All-State levels, and he has

served as an adjudicator for numer-ous PMEA festivals and clinics. Heis also an adjudicator for the Festi-vals at Sea program. Dr. Hepler has served on panelsand presented papers at nationalconferences.  He has also served asthe Pennsylvania State Chairpersonfor the College Band Directors Na-tional Association, and he is a pastPresident of the Pennsylvania Colle-giate Bandmasters Association.  Hewas a 1995 recipient of the Citationof Excellence Award in Higher Edu-cation from PMEA, and he has re-ceived the Public Education Partnersand Promoters Award from thePennsylvania Youth Education As-sociation. Dr. Hepler is an active performer

on both tubaand piano.He is thePrincipalTubist of theErie Philhar-monic Or-chestra, theErie ChamberOrchestra, theLake ErieBallet Or-chestra, andthe Savelli

Concert Band.  Hehas performed as a tuba soloist withthe Erie Philharmonic and the ErieChamber Orchestras.  He is also amember of the keyboard staff of theErie Philharmonic.  Along with hisband and orchestral work, Dr. He-pler has performed numerous recit-als as a piano soloist and chambermusician. Dr. Hepler is the current presidentof the Pennsylvania chapter of PhiBeta Mu Honorary BandmastersFraternity, and the immediate pastpresident of the Meadville RotaryClub. His other professional mem-berships include Phi Mu Alpha,Kappa Delta Pi, Kappa Kappa Psi,Tau Beta Sigma, College Band Di-rectors National Association,MENC, PMEA, Meadville RoundTable, and the American Federationof Musicians.

www.ringgoldband.com

The Ringgold Band of Reading, PA

Ringgold Band NewsFall, 2006

James S. Seidel

ContentsPage 1

American Music at itsFinest

Guest Soloist, Pianist, Dr.Lowell Hepler

Page 2A Salute toPennsylvania’s Bands

Page 3Eric OsterlingRemembered

Heard Around the BandHall

Page 4 Ringgold Band Partners

With New Holland BandMuseum

Page 5Member Spotlight

Page 6In Tune With Youth

Page 7RBYAA: What Is It?

InsertFall Dinner ConcertTicket Order Form/Merchandise Order Form

RinggoldBand

Fall DinnerConcert

Sunday, Oct.15,2006, 6:00 p.m.

Stokesay CastleReading, PA

$28 per personFor tickets, use the orderform enclosed, or callWendy at 610-779-8858Evenings 7-9:30 pm only.

Dr. Lowell Hepler

Guest Soloist,PianistDr. Lowell Hepler

Page 2 Ringgold Band News, Fall, 2006

What is it about Pennsylvania thatmakes it home to seven(possibly more) of the oldest

community bands in the United States?While there may be some contention asto the exact order of seniority, this muchis certain – Pennsylvania is host to a longand vital history of American band mu-sic. So who are these bands? The oldestcivilian band in American is the Allen-town Band in neighboring Lehigh Coun-ty. Its first documented performancewas on July 4, 1828, making this band178 years old. Its current name is takenfrom its home city of Allentown. So who is the second oldest band inthe land? The Repasz Band of William-sport was founded on August 17, 1831,making it 175 years old this year. Aspart of its anniversary celebration ithosted the 28th Annual Convention ofthe Association of Concert Bands(ACB) in Williamsport and hosted sev-eral bands from Pennsylvania, includingthe Allentown Band and the MacungieBand. The purpose of the ACB is toencourage community, municipal, andcivic bands to promote the performanceof quality traditional and contemporaryband literature. Located in LycomingCounty, the band’s name is taken fromDaniel Repasz, a former director of theband. The third oldest band in America isthe Ringgold Band. This year it is 154years old. Though there have been sev-eral name changes throughout the years,the current name grew out of the band’saffiliation with the Ringgold Light Artil-lery. This local military group was ac-tive in the mid 1800s. The artillery wasnamed after Major Samuel Ringgoldwho was killed during the Mexican War. The next four oldest bands in theUnited States are the Macungie Band,New Holland Band, Franklin Silver Cor-net Band, and the Washington Band ofAnnville. Founded in March of 1855,the Macungie Band was originally calledthe Millerstown Brass Band. WhenMillerstown changed the name of theborough to Macungie in 1875, the band

also changed its name to match. Thisgroup, from Lehigh County, celebrates151 years in 2006 even though it has hadperiods of dormancy. The New Holland Band was found-ed in 1829 but reorganized in 1856 andis celebrating its sesquicentennial thisyear. That’s 150 years of continuousactivity. In neighboring LancasterCounty, the band is named for the bor-ough in which it is based. Like all theother bands, it has undergone variousname transformations throughout theyears. The Franklin Silver Cornet Bandis also celebrating 150 years in 2006 andis located in the city of Franklin in Ve-nango County. The furthest from BerksCounty, it is located in northwesternPennsylvania in the Lake Erie Region. Last but certainly not least is theWashington Band of Annville whichwas founded on August 2, 1856. Itsname was taken from the tavern wherethey rehearsed – Washington House. Inneighboring Lebanon County, theWashington Band of Annville is alsoobserving 150 years of existence. There are probably more bands inPennsylvania that can boast of manyyears of existence and some may argueon which is older than which. Regard-less of periods of inactivity, disbandingand reorganizing, mergers with othergroups, and frequent name changes; it ismore important to note that these organi-zations continue to this day. The com-munity band continues the roles itplayed back in the 1800s. It remains apart of the social and cultural activity ofthe town, fulfilling various civic, mili-tary, patriotic, educational, and religiousfunctions. Be it a concert in the park, achurch picnic, or a formal band concert,the role of the town band remains thesame - to preserve the musical heritage,cultivate, and promote American bandmusic for all to enjoy.

A SALUTE TO PENNSYLVANIA BANDS –THE BEST & OLDEST IN THE LANDby Maria C. Reichenbach, Band Historian

Page 3 Ringgold Band News, Fall, 2006

ERIC OSTERLING REMEMBERED1926-2005

by Maria C. Reichenbach, Band Historian

Noted American band educator, composer, andarranger Eric Osterling died on July 26, 2005 inPlant City, Florida. He was 79 years old. Os-

terling had written over 600 works and arrangementsfor jazz and concert band and was known as the Mod-ern March King. Born on March 21, 1926 in West Hartford, Con-necticut, Osterling began his musical career at age 11when he began the study of the piano. At 14 years oldhe became a member of a professional dance band andexcelled at creating dance band arrangements in highschool. Osterling graduated from Ithaca College with adegree in music education and also attended the HarttCollege of Music and the University of Connecticut. In 1948 he began his teaching career in Portland, Connecticut and wrote much music forschool bands. He served in the capacity of director of music in the Portland public schoolsfor 34 years and, during this time, he was lauded for the outstanding performances of hisbands in various competitions. They were also in great demand at music conventions at thelocal, state, and national levels. In 1954 Osterling published one of his compositions for the first time. It was a piececalled Tropical Adventure. This was just the beginning of what would be many publishedworks and arrangements that would become known around the world and performed exten-sively by school, college, and professional bands. One of the distinctive attributes of Osterling’s music was that he wrote many pieces toteach young bands by featuring a particular section. Representative of such selections were:The Woodwind Rag, Jalapeno Percussion, Clarinet Magic, Swingin’ Flutes, Give the Bass aTaste, Valiant Trumpets, Spanish Brass, and Saxology. Among his better known works were his marches including: Bandology, Totem Pole,Thundercrest, Pulsar, March for a Festive Occasion, Charter Oak, Le Sabre, and The Nut-meggers.

Honors and memberships of Osterling’s included:International Who’s Who in MusicAmerican Society of Composers, Arrangers, and Publishers (ASCAP) award win-nerPhi Beta Mu member (National Band Director’s Honorary Fraternity)Named Man of the Year in 1961 by the Middletown (CT) Junior Chamber ofCommerceA tribute to his career was read into the Congressional Record in 1973 on the occa-sion of his 25th anniversary with the Portland School DistrictHis composition Constitution State was, at one time, considered for the Connecti-cut state song.Elks Club memberMasons member

In later years Osterling taught for 6 years at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Flori-da where he was credited with building the school’s jazz band program. His latest assign-ment was with the music publishing company Hal Leonard where he worked since 1989 asband composer and arranger. He was a specialist in arranging popular songs for schoolbands. With his background in music education, he was able to compose pieces for bands atall levels. He had also worked with other publishers including Belwin-Mills, Jenson, andCarl Fischer. At the time of his death, Osterling was working on an upcoming CD from HalLeonard entitled The Music of Eric Osterling which contained many of his most popular re-cent marches. The CD has since been released. Paul Lavender, Vice President of Instrumental Publications for Hal Leonard summed upOsterling’s contributions: “Eric provided school bands with a wealth of quality composi-tions. He was an icon in our business, and his passing leaves a void in the world of bandmusic. He will be missed, not only for his great talent and experience, but also for his enthu-siasm.” Shortly after his death, the Portland (CT) Board of Education accepted a donation of$1,000 from Jane Rich, a retired guidance counselor at Portland High School, to establish theEric Osterling Scholarship Fund. Eric Osterling’s legacy - as educator, composer, arranger,conductor, and clinician - will continue to live on through bands across America.

Heard Around theBand Hall...

Don Mattern (Clarinet), Greg Bitler(Bassoon), Tom Hahn (Clarinet),

Brian Holt (Percussion) and conductor,Jim Seidel, all attended the "BandCamp for Adult Musicians" held at Al-legheny College in Meadville, PA thispast June. While there, Jim served asprincipal cornetist, and moderated a fo-rum on community bands, “What worksto make a community band successful”.Conductor for the first week was Col.Jere Fridy (ret), former director of the AirForce Band, and for week two was Col.Tim Foley (ret), former director of theMarine Band The band camp, now in its fifth sea-son at Allegheny College, features mas-ter classes, free concerts, and guestsoloists and clinicians for all to enjoy.Professional musicians serve as princi-pal players leading each section of theband. All of the camp's rehearsals andperformances are free and open to thepublic. Many attendees return year afteryear for this week long event where newfriendships are formed and playing skillsare enhanced.

We were delighted to have KatelynAungst, daughter of band presi-

dent Cindy Miller-Aungst, perform withus this summer sea-son as our featuredvocalist during sever-al concerts. Katelyngraduated from OleyHigh School this yearand is off to The Uni-versity of Maryland tomajor in music edu-cation with a concen-

tration in voice. Read more aboutKatelyn on page six in our new “In TuneWith Youth” section of the newsletter.We’re excited for Katelyn and knowshe’s going to have a great future in mu-sic ahead of her!

Page 4 Ringgold Band News, Fall, 2006

RINGGOLD BAND PARTNERSWITH NEW HOLLAND BANDMUSEUM

by Maria C. Reichenbach, Band Historian

If you find yourself taking a day trip into Lancaster County, con-sider stopping in at the Eastern Lancaster County Library Build-ing in New Holland. The second floor of the building houses the

New Holland Band Museum, touted as the country’s only communi-ty band museum. Located on 11 Chestnut Drive in New Holland,the museum is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10am– 4 pm. It is open Saturdays only in January and February. Staffedby band members, community members, and friends of the NewHolland Band, call ahead at 717-355-5096 to verify that it is open. The museum was founded in 1980 by the late Arthur Futer, per-cussionist with the New Holland Band. It was originally housed inhis New Holland home and moved to its present location in 1997.The New Holland Band Museum’s mission continues to be the pre-serving and displaying of antique instruments, photographs, andmemorabilia; keeping alive the unique history of community bandsin our country to allow future generations to appreciate the impor-tance of this musical phenomenon; and researching the history oflocal community bands in Lancaster County and in the surroundingarea. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the New Holland Bandand as part of its celebration it has constructed a special exhibit onPennsylvania bands of the area. The Ringgold Band is pleased topartner with New Holland Band Museum Director La Rue Epler inmaking available several pieces from its vast archives for this histor-ic event. You will find various types of Ringgold Band memorabiliaon a visit to New Holland including: a marching uniform, 150th an-niversary proclamation plaque, various concert programs, sheet mu-sic and printing plates of former Ringgold Band Director MonroeAlthouse, original letter to the band from the White House datedFebruary 17, 1942, original telegram from John Philip Sousa datedOctober 14, 1924, various pictures of the Ringgold Band and accom-panying fire company personnel, and various articles on the historyof the Ringgold Band. This special display will be running throughOctober 2006. Of course, there is a wealth of permanently displayed mementosto interest any band enthusiast. There is a large collection of instru-ments, particularly percussion, dating from the 17th century to pres-ent. The oldest instrument on display is a one-key flute dating from1625. Also of interest are the many Civil War period snare drums,tubas, and alto and tenor horns. There are also many old band pro-grams, photographs, posters, sheet music, record covers, and uni-forms from bands throughout the area. Of special interest to BerksCountians is the display of the last baton used by John Philip Sousawhile conducting the Ringgold Band in Reading on March 5, 1932. Pennsylvania bands represented by memorabilia in the perma-nent display include: Wyomissing Band, Italian Band of Reading,Washington Band of Annville, Rohrerstown Band, Bainbridge Band,Lukens Band, Strasburg Band, Winona Band of Shillington, LetterCarriers Band of Reading, Norristown Band, Atglen Band, and theHoneybrook Band. Some of these bands still exist while others havebeen gone for years. Take a trip to the New Holland Band Museum and step back intime to a treasury of items demonstrating the importance of the townband in the development of American music.

Photos and instruments in the New Holland Band Museum collection. Note the en-core cards on the top shelf. These were used by the New Holland Band to an-nounce the march that was performed.

Large collection of snare drums on display at the museum along with vintageband caps and uniforms

Ringgold Band memorabilia on loan to New Holland Band Museum

Page 5 Ringgold Band News, Fall, 2006

Instruments: Trumpet, French Horn, EuphoniumMember Since: 2002

Stewart attended Millcreek Township School grades 1-12 inNewmanstown, PA. and graduated from the ELCO jointure in

1959. Very early on he was attracted to the sound of the HighSchool Band as it paraded down Main Street Newmanstown ,and the Allentown Band’s annual concert at Long’s Grove inStouchsburg. He began trumpet lessons in fourth grade,December,1950 with Gene Wolfskill, who was a long time mem-ber of Keystone Band of Rehrersburg. The following year hecontinued lessons with Robert Schultz, Newmanstown’s instru-mental and choral director. By fifth grade Stewart joined the Sa-lem ECC Sunday School Orchestra as the youngest member ofthe trumpet quartet. His mother, Florence, served as the pianistfor the Sunday School and the Church Services. The followingyear he was performing in all the school bands (elementary, inter-mediate, and senior band). “What a joy, getting out of class toperform band music five periods a week!” In high school, Stewart performed in the Lebanon CountyBand, State FFA Band, The National FFA Band, & the PMEASouthern District Band. In his senior year, his interest in agricul-ture as a profession switched to music. During that year heserved as student director of the band. Stewart was accepted at West Chester University (then WestChester State Teacher’s College). During freshman and sopho-more year he studied trumpet in Philadelphia with Harold Barber,who was a former student of Walter M. Smith at Boston Universi-ty. In his junior and senior year, Stewart studied with EdwardBarrow and graduated in 1963 with a BS in Music Education. Stewart began teaching in the South Otselic Central Schoolin New York State in December of 1963. The following year hebegan teaching instrumental music (grades 4-6) in Upper Perkio-men School District, Berks/Montgomery County, PA. He earneda Master’s Degree in Music Education in 1968 from WCU and 30post graduate credits at Central Connecticut University and Uni-versity of Hartford. He received a 25-Year Teaching Award fromthe Upper Perkiomen Band Boosters in 1989 and from PMEA in

1990. After 33 years of teaching atUpper Perkiomen, he retired in 1997.During those years in the UpperPerkiomen Valley he performed withthe Red Hill Band over 30 years, di-rected the New Goshenhoppen UCCBrass Choir, and sang in the ChurchChoir. Other groups that he has per-formed with include: Lebanon Com-munity Concert Band, Elder BrassQuintet, Reading Civic Theater PitOrchestra, Dave Stahl Sacred Or-chestra, Berks County Music In TheSchools Program, and the Windjam-mers Circus Band summer meet.Presently, he is a member of the fol-lowing groups: Keystone Band ofRehrersburg, The Rajah Shrine Con-cert Band, Tall Cedars of LebanonForest No. 25 Band, Berks Senior

Citizens Orchestra, Millcreek Brass, Lebanon Big Swing Band,and he teaches private music lessons. He also sings in the Mill-creek Lutheran Church Choir and the Scottish Rite Choir Valley ofReading. His professional memberships include: PMEA/MENC,International Trumpet Guild, PASR, Life Member of NEA/PSEA.He also serves as Trumpet Sectional Master Class Presenter forRinggold’s “Banding Together” Program for area school youth. Stewart met his wife, Sandra at WCU where she majored inviolin and received her BS in Music Education in 1964. In 1965she was awarded a Graduate Assistantship to Villanova Universi-ty and completed a MS in Library Science. Stewart and Sandyare the parents of two daughters, Michelle and Marcia, both WCUgraduates. Michelle is employed at Alcon Labs, and Marciateaches middle school vocal music in the Wallenpaupack AreaSchool District in the Poconos. This past June, Stewart and San-dy celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Stewart really enjoys being a member of the Ringgold BandFamily. He appreciates the ambitious programming and excel-lent musical direction that director James Seidel and assistantdirector Tom Shade provide. So, stop by and say “Hello” to Stewart next time you’re withus. We’re really fortunate to have him as a member of the band!

Ringgold Band Endowment Fund

The Ringgold Band, throughout its distinguished 153 yearhistory, has seen its costs of operation escalate consistently

from one year to the next. Maintaining a rehearsal hall, acquiringnew music, maintaining sound equipment, keeping our truck ingood repair and occasionally replacing it (as we recently had todo), obtaining adequate venues to present our Spring and FallConcerts and other expenses are, like all costs on a constantupslope. On the other side of the ledger we make every effort tobe responsive to the needs of organizations which hire the bandand what they can afford to pay for our appearances. (We are aprofessional band and our members are compensated for theirtalents.) The band’s governing body recently concluded that we wouldbe well advised to create an endowment fund which will be invest-

ed in income-producing assets, thus providing the band with addi-tional revenue on a consistent and predictable basis. Our successin creating such a fund of a significant amount will provide ourmembers and our patrons with a high level of assurance that thefuture of the band and its ability to continue to provide a highquality of musical performance will be guaranteed. We hope all our readers will be interested in learning moreabout this effort than can be discussed in this issue of our newslet-ter. Suffice it to say for now, there are many ways you can addyour support to that which we have already received. Simply callthe Band Hall at 610-929-8525 and ask for a member of the bandto call you and schedule a time to discuss the various avenues ofsupport which might best suit you. Your contributions to the bandare deductible from your federal income tax under section 501C-3of the Internal Revenue Code. We look forward to hearing from you and talking to you!

Stewart Wolf

Member SpotlightStewart E. Wolf

Page 6 Ringgold Band News, Fall, 2006

On July 1st, I walked cautiously towards the band shellat Brickerville. I cursed myself for wearing thin four-inch heels as I held a stack of music protectively

against my chest. What if I forget all the lyrics? What if Ising the wrong melody? I thought anxiously. Even thoughI’d sung with other bands before, I was particularly nervousabout this performance. I had been going to Ringgold Bandconcerts since before I could remember, and I knew that a lotwas expected of me. I wanted to prove that I could earn my chance to performwith the band; not just because my mother is the president. Ilearned the Chicago and Cole Porter medleys, “America theBeautiful,” “With One Look,” “As Time Goes By,”“Someone to Watch Over Me,” and “The Ultimate PatrioticSing-a-long” with care. I hoped to not just meet the band’sexpectations, but exceed them.

My first appearance onthe stage was invigoratingand encouraging. My nervesdid not ebb throughout theperformance, but I was told Idid well. With each perfor-mance, it was easier to con-nect and react to the audience.The music grew more enjoy-able to perform, and I had somuch fun. The four jobs I have sung thus far with the RinggoldBand have been a wonderful experience. They have certainlyhelped me realize a lot about myself as a performer, and forthat I am very grateful. I’m so glad I was given this opportu-nity, and I hope to sing for them again next summer!

Ringgold Band . . .

In Tune With Youth!The Ringgold Band is committed to spreading the joy of music to young people andto encourage them to keep music in their lives. Here’s a short piece written byKatelyn Aungst, our summer vocalist, on her debut with the band this summer.

Katelyn Aungst

Katelyn Aungst, a recent gradu-ate of Oley Valley High School,will continue her musical train-

ing at the University of Maryland ma-joring in music education with aconcentration in voice. She was select-ed to participate in the Honors Humani-ties curriculum at Maryland. Katelynwas a member of the Berks ClassicalChildren's Chorus for nine years.Throughout high school Katelyn partic-ipated in county, district, and regionalchorus festivals which have inspired herdesire to become a choral conductor.At Oley she played flute in the march-ing, concert, and jazz bands, played cello in the orches-tra, sang soprano in the choir and select choir, and was afeatured vocal soloist in the jazz band. She also hadfeature roles in the school musicals including this year'sState Fair which was directed by our very own JimSeidel.

During the summer before her senior year,she was selected to perform with a groupof Berks County students who traveled toGermany representing the YMCA.(Ringgold flutist and assistant librarian,Cathy Fronheiser was a performing chap-erone on that trip.) Katelyn had quite a memorable senioryear. She was chosen to represent Oley inthe Outstanding Young Woman Scholar-ship pageant and was selected 2nd runner-up. She won scholarships from the Read-ing Musical Foundation, the Women'sCommittee of the Reading Symphony, andthe Reading Education Association.

Katelyn believes that she has been very fortunateto have had excellent music educators as role models.Sandy Sittler, Grace Mease, Mark Brumbach, JimSeidel, and Crystal Jordan have all played very impor-tant roles in her musical development.

Page 7 Ringgold Band News, Fall, 2006

HAPPENINGS FROMTHE YEAR

Rehearsals held at band headquarters at722 Washington Street in Reading.

Held its 104th Anniversary and John PhilipSousa Memorial Concert at the Rajah The-ater in Reading on March 4 in conjunctionwith the Reading Lions Club. It was abenefit concert for the Blind BuildingFund for the Lions Club. The net proceedsof the concert were $535.81. Sponsors forthe concert included WEEU, WRAW,WHUM, Wittich’s Music House, ReadingEagle and Times, Reading Brewery Co.,Zeswitz Music House, Lutz Funeral Home,and Carl Bieber Tourways.

Raised membership dues from $5.00 peryear to $6.50 per year to provide a flowerfund in the event of illness or death of anymember.

Discussed the possibility of a joint concertby the Allentown and Ringgold Bands.

Sent a letter to John Huyett, manager ofthe local Sousa Memorial Band informinghim that the Ringgold could not allow theMemorial Band time or space for rehears-als at its headquarters.

Officially added Reverend Charles E. Rothto the list of elected officers. His electedposition was Chaplain.

Voted to add a patron list to the next con-cert program at the price of $1.00 pername and $2.00 per couple.

RBYAAWhat is it?

By Jim Seidel, Musical Director

You may have seenthis acronym orheard about it, butwhat is it really?

RBYAA stands for Ring-gold Band Young ArtistAward. It is a cash awardgiven to a Berks Countyhigh school senior who isgoing into the field of in-strumental music, continu-ing to perform at thecollegiate level as a non-mu-sic major, or playing in amilitary band. Students must be selectedfor the Berks County Sr.Band Festival and must au-dition and interview before acommittee of RinggoldBand members. The selectedstudent will be one of thefeatured soloists at our an-nual spring concert and willalso be featured at selectlocations during our summerconcert season, in additionto receiving a cash award. 2006 marked the intro-duction of the RBYAA, andthis year’s winner, was AmyDawe, a graduate of ExeterHigh School. Amy is goingon to major in music educa-tion at Mansfield University.Amy performed a flute soloat the spring concert, and atthe popular Hill Church pic-nic in August. A large part of the Ring-gold Band’s mission is tofoster the development ofthese fine young musiciansby encouraging performancebeyond the high schoolyears. There are so manyoutstanding high school stu-

dents who work diligentlyon their instrument only toput it away after highschool. With the encourage-ment of programs like theRBYAA, it is our intent to

encourage more of thesefine local students to contin-ue to share their talents withothers. So, if you have a son ordaughter or relative who isselected for Berks CountyBand, encourage them toapply and continue makingband music. For more infor-mation and an application,contact any member of theband, email us atringgoldband@aol.com, orwrite to us at

Ringgold BandRYBAA3539-A Freemont St.Laureldale, PA 19605

2006 RBYAA winnerAmy Dawe

Page 8 Ringgold Band News, Fall, 2006

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 26LEESPORT, PA

Ringgold Band NewsRinggold Band, Inc.3539-A Freemont St.Laureldale, PA 19605

Ringgold Band News is publishedtwice a year for members andsupporters of the Ringgold Band,Inc.

Send comments and story ideasto ringgoldband@aol.com or mailto:

Ringgold Band News3539-A Freemont St.

Laureldale, PA 19605.

Editor/Designer: Dave Myers

Contributors: James Seidel, MariaReichenbach, Katelyn Aungst,Cindy Miller-Aungst,StewartWolfe, Dave Myers.

Photography: Dave Myers, MariaReichenbach, Cindy Miller-Aungst.

Fall, 2006

www.ringgoldband.com

James S. Seidel, DirectorThomas Shade, Assistant DirectorCindy Miller-Aungst, PresidentGarrett Hyneman, Vice PresidentGreg Bitler, SecretaryDave Myers, Treasurer/Business Mgr.Gene Umbenhouer, Librarian

Cathy Fronheiser, Ass’t. LibrarianMaria Reichenbach, HistorianJill Scheidt, SolicitorLewis D. Freeman, TrusteeTom Hahn, TrusteeScott Rhoads, Trustee

Ringgold Band Officers

The Ringgold Band is a professional concert band performing throughout southeasternPennsylvania and beyond. The objectives of this organization are to nurture band music as animportant art form; to provide an opportunity for professional musicians as well as gifted youngermusicians to develop their musical skills in an artistic environment; to educate the members of theorganization and the general public of the need to preserve the heritage, cultivate the contempo-rary, and promote the future of band music; to encourage the members of the organization to ac-cept responsibility for the improvement of the American way of life and the fellowship of humankindthrough music. The band is funded by private and corporate donations; The Reading Musical Foundation,of which the Ringgold Band is an affiliate; and the Music Performance TrustFund administered through the American Federation of Musicians, Local 135-211. The band encourages the cultivation of music among communityyouth. High school and college-age musicians are invited to rehearse withthe band Monday evenings at 8 p.m. For more information about the band,visit our webpage at www.ringgoldband.com, or contact dmyers92@ptd.net.