The Keystone Band
The Keystone Band of Rehrersburg continues to celebrate its long heritage of outstanding musicianship by sharing a variety of music with our surrounding communities. Boasting a diverse playing membership, the Keystone Band has been “marching on” since 1888, making it one of the longest rehearsing / performing bands in the United States. The Keystone Band is currently under the direction of Mr. Matthew Schrack.
Meet Our Conductor
Matthew Schrack has held the position of conductor of the Keystone Band of Rehrersburg since 2008. He is a graduate of Lebanon Valley College where he obtained bachelor degrees in Music Education and Saxophone/Jazz Studies. He completed a Master’s in Saxophone Performance at West Chester University in 2012 and a Master’s in Conducting in 2020 from Messiah University. As a public school educator, Matthew has taught instrumental music at all levels from high school to Kindergarten. He is currently loving his work as an instrumental music teacher for elementary students in the Tulpehocken Area School District. Matthew continues to reside in Rehrersburg, PA. He freelances as a woodwinds player and performs regularly with groups in Berks, Lebanon, and Lancaster counties.
“I am honored to be the conductor of the Keystone Band and its century year old legacy as a small-town band. One hundred and thirty-four years after our founding in 1888, the band has seen 12 directors, 4 rehearsal homes, hundreds of musicians young and old, and thousands of local community concerts and parades. During the hey-day of concert bands, the Keystone Band was hired for thirty to forty concerts and parades in one summer! Concert band music must continue to be woven into the fabrics of America’s history and culture one concert at a time. One audience member at a time. One musician at a time. One student at a time. We must not merely survive but thrive!”
Past Conductors
Lawrence Heilman – 1998 – 2008
Robert Rhine – 1996 – 1998
Brian Klinger – 1992 – 1996
Jill Wenrich – 1991-1992
Henry (Hank) F. Wagner – 1975 – 1991
John Stambaugh – 1947 – 1975
Ralph C. Klopp – 1923 – 1947
Paul Schlappig – 1917 – 1923
Harvey J. Noll – 1911 – 1917
Charles Dietrich – 1903 – 1911
Harry Himmelberger – 1888 – 1903
Keystone Band of Rehrersburg 