The Ringgold Band is interested in any articles, anecdotes, recollections or reflections you might like to share about the concert band or brass band genre.

To contribute an article for this webpage and for our printed newsletter, please send it to the editor at davemyers@ringgoldband.com. Check out these articles penned by band members and others with strong ties to Ringgold Band:

• Charles Evans Cemetery
• Congressional Cemetery: Washington's Forgotten Landmark
• Reflections on John Philip Sousa
• A Mother's Perspective
• Gone But Not Forgotten: The Ladies Auxiliary of the Ringgold Band

Charles Evans Cemetery: A Berks County Historical Institution

Congressional Cemetery: Washington's Forgotten Landmark

by Maria C. Reichenbach, Ringgold Band historian

Thinking about planning a trip to Washington, D.C.? Probable destinations include the monuments and various Smithsonian museums. How about adding a cemetery to your agenda? This might sound a little morbid to some but cemeteries hold a wealth of Information and history.

Congressional Cemetery, named for several members of Congress who are buried there, was founded 1807 and covers over 30 acres. Located at 1801 E Street in the southeast section of Washington, this cemetery has become the final resting place for many famous Americans including artists, journalists, printers and musicians.

The gravesite of one musician in particular was the reason that led my husband and me to divert from the usual tourist attractions to find this place. On March 10, 1932, John Philip Sousa was laid to rest in Congressional Cemetery. When he died in Reading on March 6, 1932, the Ringgold Band became infamous as the last band that he ever conducted. When his body was escorted down Penn Street to the Franklin Street Station, the Ringgold Band accompanied with several funeral marches. Upon Sousa's arrival in Washington, he lay in state at the Marine Band Auditorium until the funeral.

A stone bench inscribed with "Leader-United States Marine Band 1880-1892" serves as the focal point of the monument to Sousa at Congressional Cemetery. This bench, which also has a musical lyre etched into it, was originally meant to be part of a larger memorial to Sousa, an auditorium in his honor. This auditorium never materialized. A fragment of the "Stars and Stripes Forever March," though worn from the years, is still visible on his grave marker, and serves as a symbol of his lasting contribution to American band music.

Also interesting to note is that Herbert L. Clarke is also buried in Congressional Cemetery. He was a cornet soloist for Sousa for many years and also was a guest soloist for the Ringgold Band in the 1930s.

A somewhat dilapidated building serves as the gatekeeper's house at the main entrance to the cemetery. No one was there the day we visited to help map out our destination, but that just gave us time to explore other parts of the cemetery. It was a gray, overcast day, the kind of day that lends itself to quiet reflection. As we stood among the plots one could only imagine the amount of history and genius contained within the wrought iron fences of Congressional Cemetery.

Ringgold Band Memories: Reflections on John Philip Sousa

Contributed by Dr. Paul G. Fisher, Millersville, PA

The name John Philip Sousa generates widely encompassing thoughts involving history, bands, music and entertainment. "Sousa" especially connotes musicianship, royalty, the highest of standards... and to this ten-year-old cornetist Sousa meant all of this - and more.

My esteemed cornet teacher, Eugene Z. Weidner, conductor of the Ringgold Band, had indoctrinated his young student with the names of Sousa, Edwin Franko Goldman, Herbert L. Clarke, Del Staigers, Frank Simon, Walter Rogers. These highly respected musicians were all friends of Mr. Weidner, mostly through their mutual membership in the American Bandmasters Association. (All of those mentioned came to Reading in the 1930s as guest soloists or conductors with the Ringgold Band.)

What a huge disappointment it was for me to be stricken with a serious viral infection the week Sousa was to appear with the Ringgold Band in their annual Spring Concert planned for March 6, 1932. My doctor had advised my parents that I should not be in public in my condition - But I wanted to see Sousa!

In this special case it was determined that an edict can always be bent - but not broken. Mr. Weidner allowed my father and I so stand in the hallway outside the rehearsal room so I could observe Mr. Sousa in his rehearsal with the band. On that Saturday night preceding the Sunday concert date, Sousa rehearsed his portion of the program with few suggestions. (The band had been well rehearsed and ready for this great occasion.) The rehearsal concluded with Sousa conducting his "Stars and Stripes Forever" with little flourish and no comments.

Sousa's small conducting gestures were noticeable to me. Was this his natural style, or a sign of old age, even serious illness?

My father and I quickly left the second floor hallway of the band building and went home discussing and reveling in the great conductor and band we had just observed and heard. The inspiration of the evening continued to live on and motivate this young cornet player - and it still does today!

We were totally unprepared and devastated by the news heard the next day: John Philip Sousa had died early that morning in his room in the Abraham Lincoln Hotel (known today as Lincoln Plaza). The entire band world was shocked and saddened by the death of their revered leader.

The Ringgold Band encourages young musicians to become involved with concert band music. The following article appeared in the Fall, 1997 Ringgold Band Newsletter.

A Mother's Perspective by Wendy Toporski

This summer, my son Chad and I drove out to Swamp Church in Reinholds to hear Al Stokes perform as a featured soloist with the Ringgold Band, a suggestion made by Chad's junior high band director and the Director of the Ringgold Band, Jim Seidel. Chad, 14, has been playing the French Horn for four years and really enjoys playing it and listening to it featured by performing groups. After the performance, Mr. Seidel introduced Chad to Mr. Stokes and Al, in turn, asked Chad if he would like to sit in on the band's practices. With that, our Monday nights have changed.

Every Monday, Chad and I trek out to Laureldale so he can participate in one of the greatest opportunities in his budding musical career. Chad sits and plays along with the band while I sit in the corner, pretending to read a book, meanwhile watching my son have an experience he'll never forget. I watch as Al or Tom Shade point out an area in the music that he needs to attend to and Chad listens carefully, nodding and asking questions in return. Never once do the other members of the section seem annoyed or bothered to help out a young musician eager to learn from the pros.

During the first practice, Chad was introduced to the rest of the band members. Now at break, Chad is one of the gang. He gets a soda with the "guys" and they discuss whatever it is musicians talk about. I overhear terms like transposing and discussions on tone and different brands of instruments and Chad is in his glory. What an experience for a child who truly loves music and now has an outlet to play other than in school sponsored events. Chad, who never wastes a word, talks incessantly as we travel back to Exeter about what went on at practice that night. And as we attend the Ringgold concerts, he comments to me on the performance and how the band worked on the piece being played. During intermissions, he manages to spend a few minutes bonding with the musicians, who are now his friends.

What about Chad outside of Ringgold? This experience has given him more confidence at school in band. He knows what needs to be done in the section, and as an integral member of the whole band, and he has the confidence to help others with their skills, even when he plays with the Senior High students. He is now a leader and mentor to his peers. The opportunity has opened a whole new world for him, because his confidence has spilled over into his life outside of music.

As for me, I get some reading done during practice, I enjoy watching my son have the time of his life, and I have met some new and interesting people in the band. And eventually, Dave Myers will find a job for me - at least he keeps threatening that.

Gone But Not Forgotten: The Ladies Auxiliary of the Ringgold Band

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Ringgold Band was formed on May 15, 1930 and conducted business at Ringgold Band headquarters at Fourth and Penn Streets in Reading. Officers elected at this first meeting were; President - Mrs. Robert Rehrer, Vice President - Miss Olga Weidner, and Secretary/Treasurer - Mrs. Fred Breininger. Special guest at the ladies' first meeting was Eugene Weidner, director of the band. At this first meeting it was decided to hold monthly meetings, and dues were set at 10 cents per month.

In addition to being a social club, the auxiliary also held many fundraisers for itself and the Ringgold Band. One of the more popular events was the card party. Tickets were sold for 50 cents each. The auxiliary ladies would donate door prizes, and the parties netted between $15 and $25. The ladies also did charitable work, making up baskets at Christmas time for needy families or band members. They also sent cards and flowers to sick members.

After one year of existance, the auxiliary had enough funds in the treasury to donate $100 to the band. This was to become an annual event. The money was raised from card parties, selling Jell-O® and aprons, and dues. The women donated much of their time and money to this cause. Another annual event for the organization was a picnic that brought the band members and their families together.

By September 1931, the group was meeting at the new band headquarters in the American Legion Building at 133 North Fourth Street, Reading. Membership grew to 29 ladies. Meetings consisted of reviewing financial records and then ending with games and refreshments. Quarterly birthday socials were held, and sometimes the band would serenade the ladies. In 1937,  meetings were hold at Ringgold Band headquarters at 144 North Fourth Street, Reading.  By this time, the auxiliary had donated a total of over $800 to the Ringgold Band. It continued to exist in many forms through the years but eventually faded from sight.

The Ladies Auxiliary - gone today but not forgotten - its spirit of friendship and camaraderie alive in the Ringgold Band.

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