Ebersole Named Ringgold Band’s New Director

Mr. Charles Ebersole, music teacher at Fleetwood Area High School and beloved band director, has recently been promoted within one of Berks County’s oldest and most well-respected bands. Beginning this year, Ebersole will be given the title of director of the Ringgold Band.

The Ringgold Band was assembled in the year 1852 and immediately answered President Abraham Lincoln’s call for volunteers to aid in the Civil War. They joined the Ringgold 5 Light Artillery, a military company. The Ringgold Band remained involved in support for various wars leading up to World War I, in 1917. After this time, The Band returned home, only playing shows within the area.

A description issued by the band states, “The Ringgold Band is a family of musicians who enjoy performing concert band music. We are dedicated to continuously advancing the skill of our members while providing high quality entertainment for audiences throughout the region. We are committed to the education and development of young musicians in order to preserve our rich history and repertoire of concert band music.”

Ebersole has been with the band since 1986 but decided to take a break to focus on family beginning in 1992. During his time with the band, he was featured as the band’s tuba soloist.

Until the end of 2017, Jim Seidel had been the band’s director. Seidel has been involved with the band since 1967 and has held the position of director since 1980, a total of 37 years.

“When the former director retired, some band members encouraged me to audition for the position, and I was fortunate enough to be selected,” Ebersole said.

Ebersole has a large role to fill.

“There is a lot involved in being the director of this organization. First, I must study many musical scores in order to select the music for the programs. Then the scores must be studied in detail in order to rehearse the band through each piece and choose interesting programs. Of course, there’s the actual directing for each concert, but there are planning meetings and community functions that must be attended as well,” Ebersole said.

“I hope to continue the tradition of fine musicianship and entertainment that has been established these many years. We are also planning a joint concert with both the Ringgold and Fleetwood Area High School Bands in February of 2019,” Ebersole said.