by Carol Aulenbach, Ringgold Report newsletter editor

Wander into the cities of Reading, PA and Ringgold, Georgia, and you will find yourself in Ringgold Band territory.

Mr. Tracy Wright, junior high band director for that Georgia school district, contacted us in July through our Web site’s message page. We learned that we have much in common.

Their community of Ringgold, like our band, was named for Major Samuel Ringgold, the first American officer killed in the Mexican War. He died of cannon-related wounds in May 1846.

In 1847, the town of Ringgold, Georgia, was chartered, and in 1852 the Ringgold Band was founded in Reading, PA. It would not adopt the name "Ringgold Cornet Band" until 1853.

Major Ringgold left his historic footprint throughout the U.S.: You’ll find "Ringgolds" in Iowa, Nebraska, Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Ohio and Maryland. And who could forget New Ringgold, PA! People unfamiliar with our band often associate us with this Schuylkill County town, but the only connection is our namesake, Major Ringgold.

Today Ringgold, Georgia’s middle and high schools boast 350 students in the instrumental music program. They have every kind of band imaginable, including a concert band, wind ensemble and three jazz ensembles. Their 200-member "Marching Tiger Band" is a Georgia Invitational Grand Champion.

If you visit northern Georgia, check out the historic community of Ringgold and maybe catch a band concert. After all, they’re practically family.

Visit the "other" Ringgold Band online at www.ringgoldband.org.