Repasz Band, Robert Eric Up Next in Concert Series

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Repasz Band at Triangle Park July 10

LOCK HAVEN – What could be more American than Mom, apple pie, and a band playing in the park on a sunny summer day? The Repasz Band of Williamsport has been playing out that scene with a proud heritage stretching back over a century and a half.  The Repasz Band will be performing at Triangle Park this Friday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. as part of Lock Haven’s Summer Concert Series.

The Repasz Band was founded in Williamsport in 1831 and is the oldest non-military band in continuous existence in the United States. Although not the Band’s original name, early in its history (1859) the membership voted to rename the Williamsport Band for one of its most talented conductors, Daniel Repasz.

The Band also has its own “Repasz Band March,” which has been on the “Top 40” and was used in an episode of M*A*S*H, with Col. Potter singing lyrics to its
sprightly 6/8 melody.

First organized in August 1831 in Williamsport by Jacob L. Mussina, its instrumentation consisted of flutes, clarinets, a piccolo, and only one brass instrument:  a French horn. In 1840, Daniel Repasz became a member of the Band.  Recognized for his dynamic musical character, he became a major force behind the Band’s transformation to a fine brass band.  He was elected as the Band’s fourth director in 1856, and, in gratitude for his dedication and accomplishments, the Band members adopted the name Repasz Band in 1859.

The Repasz Band has a proud musical heritage, having performed for a variety of civic and military events. Here is a sampling of some of the Band’s more notable engagements:

The Band’s first appearance on a national occasion came when it traveled by canal boat to Baltimore, accompanying the Pennsylvania delegation to the Presidential Convention in 1844 where Henry Clay was nominated for President of the United States.
In 1861, the Band enlisted in the 11th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and after three months of service, enlisted in the 29th Pennsylvania Volunteers.  After the Band completed its second enlistment, the greater part of the musicians next enlisted in the 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry and served until the end of the Civil War, seeing action in the Shenandoah Valley, as well as at Lee’s surrender.  At Appomattox Court House they played the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Rally Round the Flag” alternating with a Confederate Army Band who played “Bonnie Blue Flag” and “Dixie.”

The Repasz Band made history again as the Band was invited by the National Park Service to play at the Appomattox Courthouse Opening Ceremonies for the 150th Anniversary of the surrender of General Robert E. Lee and the Northern Virginia forces to General Grant, on April 9th, 2015.

The Band performed at the original dedication of President Grant’s Tomb on April 27, 1897, in New York City.  One hundred years later to the day, April 27, 1997, the Repasz Band performed for the rededication of Grant’s Tomb.  At the conclusion of the official ceremonies, in which the Repasz Band was one of only two bands participating, the Repasz Band entertained hundreds of people with a concert of Civil War music.

In 1899, a spectacular pageant called “The Spanish War,” featuring a cast of nearly 1,000 was performed in various locations by the Repasz Band. In 1903, the Band became the official band of the 12th Regiment of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, and marched in that capacity in the inaugural parades of Presidents Theodore Roosevelt in 1905 and Howard Taft in 1909.

During World War I, 32 band members (known as the Repasz War Band) joined the Navy on October 17, 1917.  Hazel dedicated his composition “Our Blue Jackets” to this impressive band. This contingent of the Repasz Band participated in patriotic parades and toured the country appearing in recruiting drives and Liberty Loan campaigns while stationed at the Pelham Naval Station near New York City.  In 1981, the Band played at the White House to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

A sign of any performing organization’s vitality is the level of activity they maintain. As never before, the Repasz Band enriches the cultural life of our area with concerts in the parks, nursing homes, and at sporting events.  Numerous patriotic and civic occasions make their call to arms and the Repasz Band takes up the challenge.  And, as the muses inspire, more formal concerts grace the winter holiday and spring seasons.

Today, the Repasz Band continues a fine tradition of service as Williamsport’s own community band, performing for patriotic and civic celebrations, the Little League World Series, concerts for hospitals and nursing homes in the area, and annual Holiday and Spring concerts.

In addition, the Repasz Band also provides members of our community with an opportunity for musicians, both young and old, to be able to continue using their hard-earned musical skills as a lifelong expression of personal creativity and community pride.

The Repasz Band’s concept of musical service to the community is extended through maintaining the Band’s long-standing tradition of never charging an admission fee for its concerts. The Band is supported solely by concert honoraria, donations, and the volunteer efforts of its dedicated members and directors.

The Band rehearses Tuesday evenings all year in Williamsport’s City Hall.  Albert J. Nacinovich is now serving his 40th year as director.  Assistant Band Director is Jeff Dent, retired JSASD music teacher.  With their capable leadership and the efforts of the 75 plus members, the Repasz Band does have a “Promising Future.”

To learn more about The Repasz Band, visit their website at HYPERLINK “http://www.lycoming.org/repaszband” www.lycoming.org/repaszband.

The public is invited to attend this free summer concert. Seating will not be provided, therefore, the public is asked to bring lawn chairs.

Summer Concert Sponsors:

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Robert Eric on the Floating Stage July 12

Robert Eric’s Tribute to the Piano Man will be performing this Sunday on the floating stage at the J. Doyle Corman Amphitheater. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m.

Robert Eric began his Piano Man tribute with the group “Big Shot” in 2003 playing in the Long Island Area. He has also toured as Billy Joel in “Rocksplosion” 2004-2005 playing throughout the New York/Metropolitan Area. Known as “Philly’s Piano Man”, he performs regularly at Ceasars, Harrahs, Trump Marina, Hilton, and the entire Jersey Coast.

Now touring exclusively through Frank Kielb Entertainment, he opened at the Wachovia Center twice for Billy Joel, with Billy asking for and receiving a big round of applause from the crowd in honor the warm-up tribute act. Currently, Frank has the band and Robert keeping a busy schedule of clubs, events, festivals and universities. Licensed by Billy Joel and JoelSongs to record a dance remix album of Piano Man classics. The album, ClubBillyJoel, is available at CDBaby.com.

Speaking of dance remixes, Robert has produced and engineered over 1,000 records with over 50 charting on Billboard and 3 Gold Records! Re-mix clients include: Billy Joel, Gloria Estephan, Pretty Poison, Rockell, Collage, Expose, Amber, and many more. Check Out MySpace/RobertEric. The guy just looks, sounds, talks, acts and plays like him. (Maybe in a younger man’s clothes.)

To learn more about the 2015 Summer Concert Series, check the City of Lock Haven’s website at www.lockhavenpa.gov.

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