First  fall rehearsal is Monday, September 27th, 2010 @ 7:30 p.m. We are looking for a new Band President also, speak with Doreen if you are interested, nominations and voting for the position to be scheduled.  The Crystal Band of Scranton, 1546 Monsey Ave. Scranton, P.A. 18509 is an all volunteer musical organization currently consisting of  approximately 60 woodwind, brass and percussion musicians of all ages. We play a wide variety of musical selections such as, Pops, Broadway, Light Classical, Big Band, Sousa, and Holiday music. We book concerts year around. We request a donation to cover the cost of uniforms, sheet music, transportation of band equipment. If you would like to play with us, or have us play at your community event, please contact us at any rehearsal, which are  Monday nights @ Trinity Baptist Church Scranton, 7:30 p.m. September thru May.
The Crystal Band of Scranton is celebrating their 131st anniversary in 2010. The Crystal Band has long been a part of the music tradition in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Organized as a boys brass band in the Petersburg section of Scranton in 1879, the original group counted 17 members. At the turn of the century, the band flourished and regularly performed in Nay Aug Park on Sunday afternoons, under the direction of Thomas Matthews. However, with America's entrance into World War 1, many of the young musicians went off to serve their country and the group disbanded.	During the height of World War 2, the band was reorganized  and membership was opened to men and women. Previously, the band was a boys brass band. Two of the boys at that first rehearsal in July of 1943, brothers Ralph and George Lutz still play with the Crystal Band today. This kind of dedication to the band is the norm rather than the exception to the rule. It is a tribute to the important role The Crystal Band plays in the region that many of today's area musicians, at one time or another in their careers, have joined with us to make music. Many of our members have gone on to have successful musical careers, become music directors at schools and colleges and play in symphonies.
Charles Mayer reorganized the band in 1943 and directed briefly, then, Kenneth Zupp directed the Crystal Band from 1943 - 44, then, Charles Reber became director in 1944 -1946. Earl Brink directed the longest for 29 years, from 1957 - 1986. Recent directors have included Larry Hughes 1986 - 1998, Tom Frew, from 1998 - 2002, and Raymond Stedenfeld from 2002 - 08. The Crystal Band is under the current direction of Doreen Hughes Ignatovich since 2008 until present. In the summer of 1975, The Crystal Band toured Romania as "Friendship Ambassadors". They played 12 concerts to audiences exceeding 1600 patrons, during a three week, 15,000 mile tour. Some of the current members who toured on that trip will gladly recall events for you if asked! This community band has been instrumental in promoting the universal language of music from its inception. In addition to a major spring concert, The Crystal Band Plays at a wide variety of events. During the summer and holiday seasons throughout not only Lackawanna, but also Luzerne and even Wayne counties. For example, we are the featured performance group at Honesdale's annual 4th of July celebration.	The band has also performed at  local nursing homes, bringing live music to many who might not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy this magic. The band was featured twice on WNEP-TV Channel 16 "Christmas All Night" program aired on Christmas Eve. We also play local community events, Churches, fairs, and concerts at parks thru the, Christmas, spring and summer seasons yearly. The only remaining all volunteer community band still in existence in the Greater Scranton area, the band plays a wide variety of musical selections including Pops, Broadway, Light Classical, Big Band, and Christmas selections. The Crystal Band is composed of many musicians, ranging from high school students to retirees.  We invite any interested musician to talk to any of our members at a concert or join us with your instrument at a rehearsal. New members are always welcome!