The Berwick Area Senior High School Band was organized in 1928 in part to promote community and school spirit. Although a call for candidates revealed a large number of students who were not musically inclined, Mr
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The Berwick Area Senior High School Band was organized in 1928 in part to promote community and school spirit. Although a call for candidates revealed a large number of students who were not musically inclined, Mr. Harry H. Zehner selected 37 members and organized the first band at Berwick High School. In the fall of 1928, Russell “Prof” Llewellyn came to Berwick. He began work by reorganizing the already existing band. This revitalized unit showed marvelous results. From 1933 to 1936 the Berwick High School Band took the Class A State Title. This is the only time a band has accomplished such a four-year series of wins. The band claimed two national Superior ratings (1933, 1935) in marching and concert work. In addition, they also won the Tri-State competition with Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York in 1935. Under the direction of “Prof” Llewellyn, the band appeared in the Inaugural Parade in Harrisburg for Pennsylvania Governor Arthur James; the Chicago World’s Fair, and two New York World’s Fairs. The band also appeared at the National Bakers Convention and Kiwanis International convention at the Atlantic City Convention Hall, the latter, which prompted an invitation to participate in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. The invitation was declined since the community was in the progress of a financial campaign for the new Berwick Hospital. The Interstate Exchange Band Concerts covering nine states were initiated by Llewellyn, and under his forty year direction, the B.H.S. Band was recognized as one of the finest Class A high School organizations in the United States. Mr. Clyde Scott came to Berwick as Band Director in 1969 and in June of 1972, the Band embarked on its first foreign tour. Through the efforts of Dr. Alfred Tonolo and the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of Hispania, the band was extended an invitation to visit Spain. Concerts were performed in Barcelona and Cevera as part of the cultural exchange program between the two countries. Governor Shapp designated the band as “my personal ambassadors of good will from the citizens of Pennsylvania to the people of Spain.” In June of 1975, the Band made a return visit to Florida. They visited the John F. Kennedy Space Center, performed a concert at Sea World, and took part in the Disney Bicentennial celebration, America on Parade, at Disney World. As the Pennsylvania Music Educators began to develop festivals for exceptional student musicians, Scott was instrumental in involving the Berwick School District as a host district for these events. Since that time, the Berwick School District has been an unselfish leader in promoting and hosting PMEA District and Regional Festivals. For a brief period of time in the spring of 1980, Miss Joan Voveris returned to her instrumental roots and assumed leadership of this proud organization. Miss Voveris did an excellent job nurturing the growth of the instrumental program. She continued to support the band in many ways as department chairperson until her retirement in 1997. In September of 1980, Todd Hunter assumed the duties as music educator and Band Director at Berwick High School. Under his leadership, the band traveled and participated in musical experiences in Williamsburg, Virginia and Montreal, Canada. In continuing with Berwick’s leadership role in PMEA, Mr. Hunter was host to the 1983 District 8 Band Festival. In an effort to mirror the PMEA Festival format and encourage musical excellence on the local level, Mr. Hunter was one of the founding members of the Columbia County Band Festival, which features the finest high school and junior high school instrumentalists from the six county schools. Mr. Hunter continued Berwick’s tradition of participating in adjudicated festivals and competitions by performing in the Tournament of Bands Marching Band Competitions. Each fall, the group would compete in local competitions for constructive comments which would enhance the entire musical experience of the performing members and the audience. In 1987, Mr. Wasser was appointed to the position of Band Director in the Berwick Area Senior High School and assumed the responsibilities of Department Chairman in 1997. During Mr. Wassers’ tenure as the Berwick Area High School Band Director, his leadership role was a vital aspect in the many accomplishments of the band. In 1988, the band accepted an invitation to take part in a cultural exchange and concert performance in Berwick-Upon-Tweed, England. In the fine tradition of the Berwick Area Music Department, the band received numerous accolades for their resounding performance. The band’s accomplishments continued and included performances at Disney World, Florida, Williamsburg, Virginia and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The band has received numerous awards including participation in the Atlantic Coast Championships. This championship consists of the top 25 bands chosen from 9 states in the East Coast Region. The band has received this honor of invitation 12 times. In addition, Mr. Wasser has served as host director for several of the PMEA festivals including: District 8 Band, Regional Band, and Jazz Festival. As a result of competitive auditions at these festivals 7 students have achieved recognition in the Pennsylvania All State Band. Mr. Wasser played an innovative role in establishing a Jazz Ensemble in the high school. The Jazz Ensemble is comprised of members of the Concert Band who were interested in Jazz studies and the improvisational aspects of performance. They have performed at various community functions, Philadelphia 76ers games, and for the annual “Pops Concert.” The “Pops Concert” in its 14th year has featured prominent performers such as Miss Pennsylvania, Terri Steele and Berwicks’ own Wayne Naus “64”. Over the years, thousands of students have participated in the Berwick Area Senior High School Band. Among its Alumni are judges, doctors, lawyers, teachers, bankers, business and professional persons, and professional musicians. This collection of young adults, quality leadership and the support of the community has made this program a source of pride in the past, present and will continue to in the future. 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