Published January 02. 2026 05:18PM
The Bethlehem Municipal Band’s holiday concert Dec. 17 in the Northeast MS auditorium marked the end of an era for the musicians. After 36 years at the helm as director Donald Kemmerer is stepping down from that responsibility.
David Crosby will be the next director up, just the fifth in the Bethlehem Municipal Bands ninety year history. He follows Joseph Ricapito (1935-1965), Ray Huston (1965-1968), Bernard Beitel (1968-1989), and the aforementioned Kemmerer (1989-1925).
The holiday program and Kemmerer send-off attracted about 200 people and included a set list of 14 selections, including an audience sing-along led by vocalists Frank Gregory, Amelia Gamble and Chelsea Reed.
Featured musicians were Keith Troxell on alto sax and Ken Gross on trumpet during ‘Christmas from the 50s’.
Kemmerer, who will continue to play in the band with son Matthew and grandson Joshua, received recognition for his devotion and musical service to the community. A proclamation from Mayor J. William Reynolds, a gift certificate to the Steak House and a plaque recognizing him as Director Emeritas were presented by band president Holly Ehrenfried, and a standing ovation from the band itself completed the honors.
Ehrenfried noted a favorite adage by Kemmerer, “every rehearsal, every note, and every person matter.”
Press photos bt Dana GrubbDirector Don Kemmerer leads the Bethlehem Municipal Band in his last concert in that role.
Mayor J. William Reynolds executive assistant Silagh White presents retiring director Don Kemmerer with a proclamation.
Alto sax player Keith Troxell is featured on ‘Christmas from the 50s’ Ken Gross on trumpet was also featured.
Band president Holly Ehrenfried presents Don Kemmerer with a restaurant gift certificate and plaque designating him ‘Director Emeritas’.
Vocalists on several songs are Amelia Gamble, Frank Gregory and Chelsea Reed.
Incoming director David Crosby leads the Municipal Band during the concert’s finale, ‘Sleigh Ride,’ thereby passing the baton from the past to the future.
Don Kemmerer is joined by his wife Barbara and incoming director David Crosby at the concert’s conclusion.
The Bethlehem Municipal Band performs at Northeast MS under the direction of Bill Nazzaro.
