Documentation of the Repasz Band

John Hazel

The City of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, has a proud past tradition, from the lumber mills to the mines, from the glamorous houses on Millionaire Row to the heritage of the people in Williamsport. Their heritages are well-known and respected. Perhaps its proudest tradition is its band. Have you ever heard of the Repasz band? If you haven't listen to this: It is the oldest continuous band in America still in existence today. Established in 1831, it was called the Williamsport Band. It consisted of one French horn who was, incidentally a private soldier in Napolean's Army, flutes and clarinets (2).

Even with its small membership the band was great. It was well-known throughout the Eastern states (1). They were so popular that they landed gigs outside of Pennsylvania. One might say "Big deal," but you have to remember this is the 1830's with only horses and dirt roads (1).

Repasz Band 2001

Eventually the band came under the direction of Daniel Repasz. He transformed the band from woodwind to brass. He helped it to progress, helped its players grow as musicians. The members were so grateful that they renamed the band for him in 1859 (2).

In 1861, the band volunteered with a Pennsylvania regiment in the Civil War. They were part of the Army of the Potomic. Unfortunately, that regiment was present at many of the major battles of the war including Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. On April 9, 1965, Lee surrendered at the Appomattox Court House (3). The band, too, was present. They played "The Star Spangled Banner" against the sound of the rebel band playing "Bonnie Blue Flag." Obviously, the Repasz Band played well and triumphed over the rebel band (4).

Years after the Civil War were rather quiet for the band, but don't think that is was the last you would hear from them. Bands around the turn of the century were the main source of entertainment before television and radio. Bands were also the main features in most social occasions (5). The Repasz Band's annual debut was at Fourth of July celebrations.

Former Repasz Band

Perhaps, we should tell you about one of the biggest influences in the Repasz Band, John Hazel. He moved to Williamsport at a young age and taught himself to play the cornet. When he grew up, he went on to be a professional cornet player, composing, soloing and directing such bands as The Sousa and Gilmore Band. Wizard of the Cornet, the New England Press called him. The locals knew him as the most famous musician Williamsport had ever produced (5).

He took direction of the band in 1910, and made it known to the most prominent people as well as other bands in the country (5).

His band members like him, too. One of the prominent people that Hazel introduced the band to was John Phillip Sousa. In 1915, the band played most of Sousa's more popular songs when Sousa made his only appearance in Williamsport. The Repasz Band's musical performances consisted mainly of songs composed by either Sousa or Hazel. Sousa commented of the band, "You have what I cannot buy, a loyalty and enthusiasm without which an organization like yours must be mediocre. Your band has risen above that." The remark was made to Mr. Harry Parker when Sousa heard the band play some of its more popular and favorite pieces (2).

Repasz Band Logo

Never above helping its hometown, the band played at many worthwhile charity events like the fund raising for the new and improved Williamsport Hospital. They also played at the opening of the local band shell. Located in the middle of Williamsport's City Park, now known as Brandon Park, it is a stage with half a roof over it. When it opened on June 16, 1914, 8,000 people from around the area came into the park to hear them play (6).

The Repasz Band had a strong military past. Not only did it participate in the Civil War, but also in the Spanish American War and World War I. It was also in the National Guard for some years.

When America became involved in the Great War in 1917, many young men joined the Repasz Band so they could serve their country. The problem was that the band also had many older members. So the band split into two. The older members stayed in Williamsport and the younger members formed a war band and joined the Navy. Hazel trained one of the best bands in the Navy (Grit, October 21,1910). They could stand up to any military band and be the best. Further, They helped to sell Liberty Bonds (2).

The band has contributed many memories to the town of Williamsport in both the past and the present. It is our town's tradition. People still come here just to hear the wonderful music from somber pieces to Sousa marches. John Hazel stayed with the band for many years, composing "Repasz Centennial March and Salute to Williamsport," among other pieces. He retired in 1941 at the age of 75 (5).

A very popular television show was M*A*S*H. The Repasz Band was in the top 40 with its song, "Repasz Band March," which was played in an episode of M*A*S*H with Col. Potter singing the lyrics.

The Repasz Band certainly went far beyond anyone's expectations when it was started. What a glorious band!