About Us
A rich musical tradition spanning generations
Origin Story
The Salisbury Community Band’s origin dates back to around 1937, with the Founding of the Salisbury Municipal Band.
The Band’s first conductor, H.B. Marston, former solo clarinetist with renowned “March King” John Philip Sousa, assisted in its foundation. He was assisted by the Lions Club and other organizations and businesses.
City Park Bandstand
The historic Bandstand in Salisbury City Park, the Band’s identity and musical home, dates back to 1930. It has been renovated three times, most recently in 2022, in all cases using materials and methods consistent with maintaining its historic status.
Band Manager
In 1962 Frank G. Reinhardt became the first Band manager, and is credited with perpetuating the tradition of Band concerts and the Bandstand itself. Accordingly the Bandstand was named in his honor in 1979, with a granite plaque now situated behind the brick memory wall.
In 1971, following Mr. Reinhardt’s death, Jean Wooten, former Wicomico County Supervisor of Music, became Manager. Following Jean, Tom Zimmerman held the position for many years.
Naming and Postwar Evolution
The local Board of Education assimilated the Band in 1939 as the Wicomico High School Boy’s Band but soon dropped the gender tag as girls quickly became members. Mr. Marston soon became an employee of the school system and the Band began playing weekly concerts in the Bandstand for most of the Summer as well as many civic engagements. Around 1946 the Band’s name evolved into its current form, Salisbury Community Band.
In its early years the Band had basically remained a student group, returning World War II veterans, exemplified by baritonist Jim Collins,joined the band. This trend helped the Band achieve the intergenerational status it maintains today.
Directors
H.B. Marston retired in 1946, followed by:
Michael Ronca
Andrew Jupina
Wallace (Reds) Duyer
Charles F. Smith, Jr.
Larry Harrison
Charles F. Smith, jr.
Todd L. Riddleberger
Howard Snow
Long Term Members
Underscoring the Band’s long and proud tradition is the number of members with 50 or more years of service:
- The late baritonist, Jim Collins
- Charles F. Smith, percussionist and former Music Director
- Judy Benton, trumpeter
- Howard Snow, trombonist and current Music Director
- Pat Shaner, Principal Trumpeter, who will reach 50 years of service in 2027.
Structural Evolution
In approximately 2010 the Band began to establish a Board of Trustees to take the place and responsibilities of the former Manager. The band achieved registration with the Secretary of State of Maryland as a Charitable Organization as of September 24, 2018. The Band also applied for and received determination as exempt from federal income tax under the Internal Revenue Code Section 501 © (3), effective July 25, 2018. The Board is responsible for maintaining the Band’s rich musical heritage in providing live music performances in the region as well as an opportunity for like-minded musicians to share and develop their skills in public performance.
Essential Partners
The City of Salisbury owns the Bandstand in Salisbury City Park and is responsible for the often-challenging maintenance and upkeep of this historic structure and its adjacent grounds. The City completed a major renovation of the Bandstand in 2022. The City’s Department of Arts, Business and Culture also works with the Band to coordinate any operational matters during concert season. Wicomico County’s Youth and Civic Center works with the Band to provide rehearsal space for the Winter Concert and the Summer Concert Series.
A Church Called Christ provides a venue and first class operational support for the Winter Concert and an alternate venue if needed during the Summer Series.
The Public
Arguably our most essential partners are the members of the public who faithfully attend our concerts and show their appreciation by applause and donations, large and small.
Their support shows that the Band is fulfilling its mission.
