Claysburg Legion/Community Band Looking for New Members

Claysburg American Legion Band and Claysburg Community Band are looking for interested musicians who would like to join their ranks.

According to Dan Crist, leader of Claysburg American Legion band, Claysburg Community Band is a new concept. Matt Stombaugh, Claysburg-Kimmel’s band director, is starting Claysburg’s Community Band, of which he will be the director.

“The Legion Band will be the nucleus of the Community Band,” said Crist. “But we [the Legion Band] are looking for others who would like to come and sit and play their instrument for enjoyment.”

Those who want to join the Community Band can join Crist and Stombaugh at the first rehearsals on June 8 and 22.

According to Crist, there are few community bands still in the area, and Claysburg Legion is one of the few American Legion sponsored bands in the state.

The band has been around since before WWII and has remained active since then.

In his 25 years with the band, Crist has made a lot of memories with the band.

“Our band is like a family,” Crist said. “We do many things together. We enjoy each other’s company.”

With the legion, Crist has played at countless parades and made trips to the Legion Convention.

Memorial Day weekend is usually the beginning of the legion’s performance season. This year, Claysburg American Legion conducted Memorial Day services at several cemeteries.

“We participate in cemetery services honoring military personnel and a parade on Monday,” said Crist.

The band tries to go to a nursing home in the area yearly to put on a small concert. They also play a concert at Claysburg’s Community Days.

In the future, the legion, along with the community band, would like to put on concerts.

“We had a community band concert many years back getting ready for one our town celebrations, and I remember people having a great time reconnecting again while playing their instrument,” said Crist.

Crist reminds those interested that the Legion Band is no longer a marching band.

“Last year was our first year of no marching,” Crist said. “We bought a 24-foot trailer and chairs that we use to sit and play. Some members have left the band because they couldn’t march any more, so this is a chance for them to reconnect.”

Those interested in the Claysburg American Legion Band can contact Dan Crist at (814) 239-5566 or ckgbbcoach@atlanticbb.net. Eligibility is open for those in seventh grade and older.

Claysburg Community Band is open to all interested parties, regardless of age and ability. The first two practices will be June 8 and 22 at 7:15 p.m. at the Claysburg American Legion home. Those interested can contact Dan Crist or can call Matt Stombaugh at (814) 239-5141 ext. 1107.

“Tradition is a big part of our band, where we have a few members having 50 years of service to the band,” said Crist “To continue the long-standing tradition of the Claysburg American Legion Band, we are looking for new members to help boost our ranks.”