About the First State Symphonic Band

• Photos
• History
• Mission and Vision
• Musical Director

History

The First State Symphonic Band is the direct successor of the DuPont Employees Concert Band, which started in September 1951 and received direct support from the DuPont Company for 27 years.

In September 1978 the band was incorporated under its new name as a non-profit organization. The "new" band inherited the music library of the old one, and members of the old band formed the core of the new organization. Several of the original band members still remain with the band, but only one, John Hughes, has been a continuous member for all 50 years.

The first director of the DuPont Employees Concert Band was Frank Cianflone who only conducted for one season. E. Russell Williams, Jr. was musical director for the next 26 years. During most of those years the DuPont Band performed at Longwood Gardens and the Wilmington Playhouse. A highlight during the first year was the band's performance at the DuPont Company’s 150th anniversary celebration at Hagley Yard. This established the band as a leader in area concert bands.

In1978, concurrent with the reorganization and name change, Lloyd Ross, director of band music at Newark High School became music director and remained for ten seasons. The next conductor was Peter Hill, of the Music Department of the University of Delaware, who stayed for three seasons. Three guest conductors, Harvey Price, Paul Hess, and Ed Hockersmith, served during the 1991-1992 season. Then the directors were Ed Hockersmith (1992-1993), Harvey Price (1993 through the end of 1995), Ed Hockersmith again, (1996-2000), and Jonathan Wittman (2000-present).

Rehearsal location was stable for more than 20 years at the DuPont Country Club. Then rehearsals were at Greenville School for the final years under the DuPont Band name and the first three seasons under the First State name. The band then went through a nomadic period when it rehearsed at several locations. During this period, rehearsals were sometimes split with a different location each month. Locations included Newark High School, Tatnall School, Wilmington High School, and the University of Delaware. In the fall of 2001, after a 5-year stint at the Delaware National Guard Armory near Price's Corner, FSSB moved back to Tatnall. A move made necessary by security concerns raised by the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

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Mission & Vision

FSSB’s mission is to provide educational experiences for its members and for the general public through the establishment and maintenance of a concert band; to provide high quality musical performances for the community; and to provide entertainment and charitable experiences to organizations such as retirement centers, schools, and churches. Our vision is to create a vibrant and dynamic arts organization that has a large and active membership. FSSB will play a variety of music showcasing different styles and varying complexity for a whole spectrum of audiences. Our organization will collaborate with other arts organizations for special events and concerts when possible. We will be well-known in our community.

Jonathan Wittman, Musical Director

For the past 5 years, Mr. Jonathan Wittman has served as Music Director. Mr. Wittman, a native of Delaware, received his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music and Trumpet Performance degrees at the University of Delaware. He taught at several schools in New Castle County and became Director of Bands at Newark High School in 2005. He was Principal Trumpet of the First State Symphonic Band for 20 years before assuming the post of Musical Director in 1999.

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This program is made possible, in part, by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware. For additional information on arts activities in Delaware, visit the Delaware Division of the Arts homepage.
 
©2007, First State Symphonic Band