BanSept13C
9/13/12
7:04 PM
Page 3
Dillsburg Banner - Section C
LifeStyles
SECTION C G THE DILLSBURG BANNER G SEPTEMBER 13, 2012
Northern High School Alumni
Where Are They Now?
The “Dillsburg Brass” Quintet
By Steven M. Nesbit
Feature
Writer/Dillsburg Banner
___________________________
An ensemble is defined as a group of people performing a musical
number together and/or a
group of musicians playing musical instruments
together. There are various kinds of ensembles
that are differentiated
based on the type of music they play, the type of
instruments they use in
their performances and
the number of musicians
performing
together.
From a duet and a trio to
a quartet and a quintet,
musical ensembles have
been playing together for
centuries.
During my trumpet
playing years at Northern
in the late 1960s, Mr.
Richard Fyler was “a oneman band director” from
fourth grade through junior high school to the senior high band which included, of course, two
main venues, the marching
band and the concert band.
He also had put together a
dance band, the “Northernaires”, which played
mostly music from the Big
Band era.
Hitting the pop music
scene in the late 1960s was
an ensemble called The Tijuana Brass lead by trumpet player Herb Alpert.
Originally in 1962, the Tijuana Brass was just
Alpert overdubbing his
own trumpet, slightly out
of sync and mixing in
crowd noises from a bull
fight. Alpert and the Tijuana Brass (TJB) went on
to win six
Grammy
Awards. Fifteen of their
albums won
gold and
fourteen went platinum.
In 1966 over 13 million
Alpert recordings were
sold, outselling the Beatles. Alpert disbanded the
Tijuana Brass in 1969. It
was Alpert and the TJB
that stretched pop music to
accept brass instrumentation.
In 1970, the Canadian
Brass was founded by Dr.
Charles Daellenbach and
Gene Watts. Four decades
later, the Canadian Brass
is still going strong and
have recorded over 100
CDs and DVDs. They
have commissioned, performed, and recorded hundreds of transcriptions and
original works for the
brass quintet. As Brian
Stwalley points out, “The
Canadian Brass popularized the brass quintet
which created demand for
arrangements from music
publishers.” Named the
“world's leading brass ensemble” by The Washington Post, the legendary
Canadian Brass perform a
wide variety of musical
styles, including baroque,
classical, renaissance, medieval, jazz and pop.
Currently here in Dillsburg, Pa., a group of five
Northern graduates make
up the “Dillsburg Brass”
quintet, namely: Amy
Urich, Brian Stwalley,
Dave Hamlet, Nathan
Young, and James DeMers.
Dave remembers that
“during the summer between my junior year and
senior year in college, I
put together the Dillsburg
Brass.” Fellow classmate
Nathan looks at it a little
differently. He explains,
“Our lead trumpet player,
Dave Hamlet and I were
juniors in high school and
the Junior class always
provided a brass quintet
for the graduating senior
class to have at the Baccalaureate service prior to
graduation. Dave and I
started playing in the quintet that year and he and I
never stopped playing af-
ter that. The quintet has
been together in one form
or another since 1987.”
Using 1987 as the inception of the Dillsburg Brass,
the group has been together for 25 years. Canadian
Brass take note; the Dillsburg Brass is here to stay!
Quite an accomplishment
for any social group or organization.
So, other than the obvious, why and what is the
appeal of this small musical group? As leader of
the pack, Dave describes it
like this; “Personally, I
have always enjoyed playing trumpet, and forming
the Dillsburg Brass gave
me the perfect opportunity
to continue playing [music]. Also, the small group
makes every member’s
playing important and exposed, so it is more challenging than playing as a
part of a larger group. Finally, the quintet, being
small in numbers, is perfect for playing at many
venues such as in church,
at weddings, and at concerts.”
Amy acknowledges
that “playing with this
style group gives us the
chance to both perform as
a small group, but also to
be featured occasionally
throughout our arrangements as a solo artist with
the rest of the group playing background.” James,
the trombone player says,
“I’ve played all through
college and was playing
with community bands
when Dave asked if I
wanted to play with the
quintet. I find it’s a nice
way for me to stay connected with my roots in
Dillsburg, and it’s definitely a artistic outlet for me.”
Nathan takes a more
practical approach. “The
quintet was an easy way
for us to keep playing during the summer months so
we could keep our lips in
shape for when we went
back to college,” Mr.
Young adds, “For me, it
was very competitive to
stay in the Blue Band [at
Penn State] so I had to
make sure I was practicing
all summer long.” Amy
concurs, “The group is a
way to keep playing music
over the summer. Playing
a brass instrument is like a
sport; if you don’t keep
practicing or playing your
skills start to deteriorate.
When you come back to
playing, you are not as
skilled as when you
stopped practicing. You
are rusty. Playing with the
group was a way to keep
in 'playing shape' during
the months when we were
home over the summer.”
Practice,
practice,
practice. How do five
adult musicians with families and a career find time
to practice together? Amy
says, “We used to be diligent about practicing together – every week on
Sunday evenings for two
hours. Dave and Nathan
used to share a house on
Welty Avenue in Dillsburg, and we used to convene in the kitchen once a
week for rehearsals. The
neighbors could hear brass
music spilling out onto
Welty Avenue on Sunday
evenings. Our schedules
are not quite as flexible as
they used to be. Brian, a
man of few words, adds a
sense of humor with, “It’s
usually weekly at Quintet
Standard Time, but we’ve
had to grow more accommodating over the years as
families have grown.”
Dave explains that “Others
seem to be able to play
fine with minimal practicing, but I find I need to
practice frequently to
See Where are they now. 5C
Readin' and 'ritin' and 'rithmetic
The Little
NYCHAPS holds meeting at
historic school house site
Carl Nell
Staff Reporter/Dillsburg Banner
______________________________
Red School House
“Back in time” is Rosemary Firestone, on left,
portraying a teacher of yesteryear at The Little
Red School House. Above is the restored blackboard. On right is the NYCHAPs group that attended the meeting.
Last month members
of the Northern York
County Historical and
Preservation
Society
(NYCHAPS) met at The
Little Red School House
on Zeigler Road in
Wellsville. The program
was led by Rosemary
Firestone who is the current tour director for this
historic site. The site is
well preserved including
small
artifacts,
a
teacher’s desk, rows of
student desks and the potbellied stove that heats
the schoolhouse. One
must realize that not
every historic site is exactly true to its historical
timeline as some artifacts
are collected after the period. However, much of
the structure and furnishings are authentic from
the early 1900s.
The schoolhouse is
being maintained by the
Wellsville Area Historical Society (WAHS) and
dates back to about 1890.
Also known as the Warrington Township School,
the schoolhouse operated
as a one-room school until 1919 and housed eight
grades of students. In
more recent years, many
groups have used this
building
including
Brownies, Girl Scouts,
Cub Scouts, FFA, and
AA.
This one-room
schoolhouse was also
used as the borough office.
WAHS meets quarterly on the first Tuesday of
February, May, August,
and November. Contact
Rosemary Firestone at
432-3702 or email [email protected]
et for meeting time and
location. A wonderful
reference guide to historic Wellsville is their
booklet entitled A Walk
Through Wellsville.
BanSept13C
9/13/12
7:05 PM
Page 5
THE DILLSBURG BANNER • SEPTEMBER 13 • PAGE 5C
Mastering Where are
Gardening they now?
Continued from page 2C.
prevention. Crop rotation
with no tomato/potato
plants in the affected location for at least three years
is vital, as is removing or
tilling under all plant
residue at the end of the
season. Good spacing and
pruning enables good air
flow through the plant.
Finally, careful watering
that keeps the lower leaves
dry limits fungal growth.
Fungicide can be used,
particularly in rainy seasons, but organic gardeners can prune indeterminate plants up 1 foot from
the ground and determinate plants of all leaves
that contact the soil.
5) Late Blight: Bogash labeled this “our big disease
of the year.” Late blight
poses a serious threat to
both commercial and athome tomato/potato production because it can
wipe out an entire crop in
a few weeks. The
pathogen is very prevalent
in Pennsylvania this year,
with 22 counties have reporting late blight this
summer, including York
and Cumberland Counties.
Late blight is caused
by Phytophthora infestans,
a fungus-like organism.
Phytopthora means “plant
destroyer” in Latin, an apt
name for a disease that can
quickly decimate an entire
harvest, as it did in the
Irish Potato Famine in the
1840s.
On tomato fruit, late
blight causes “very large
spots, which look watersoaked at first then turn
brown, often with a border
of light green wilted tissue, “ according to the
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Spots enlarge until the entire leaf
or stem turns brown and
dies. The white, fuzzy
spores are best seen on the
underside of a leaf with lesions, but can also occur
on stems. Stem lesions are
brown or almost black,
while infected tomatoes
have shiny, dark or olivecolored lesions that can
cover large areas.
Trump It: Because the
pathogen overwinters only
in infected potato tubers,
prevention begins by using only certified diseasefree seed potatoes and
pulling any volunteer potato plants that sprout
from tubers left in the
ground throughout the
winter. Infection can also
be carried on tomato transplants, so inspect purchased plants for signs of
infection. Any infected
plant material should be
bagged or buried 3-feet
deep.
The national monitoring site for late blight is
www.usablight.org. The
site has detailed information on late blight, including maps of where it has
been reported. Penn State
and the USDA request that
gardeners and farmers
who believe they have late
blight report it to either the
USA blight website or to
the local Extension office.
When I began my research for this article I
thought I might have two
of these issues, but after
reading and examining my
tomato plants, I suspect I
have four. The good news
is that I have only two of
the yearly problems. The
not-so-good news is that I
might have late blight. At
least now I know what has
been eating those shallow,
circular holes in my tomatoes that had me stumped.
But what would Tony, my
New Jersey neighbor, say
about my garden now?
Information in this article was obtained from a
variety of sources including the Penn State Cooperative Extension, Cornell
University Cooperative
Extension, Iowa State
University, Florida State
University and the USDA.
Continued from page 1C.
maintain my skills. The
Dillsburg Brass practices
about every other week, almost always on a Sunday
evening.”
In terms of public performances, Mr. Hamlet
says, “We perform about
12-15 times per year. We
play each year for Dillsburg Borough for Farmers
Fair, Christmas Tree Lighting, Colonial Christmas
Service, and as a part of the
winter concert series. We
play each year for the MS
Society at two Leadership
Reception Events. We play
at a church in Carlisle
every Easter and at Monaghan Presbyterian at their
Advent music program
every December. We play
for York Technical School’s
graduation every June.
Outside of these annual
performances we’ll play for
weddings,
receptions,
church services, club dinners such as the Lions or
Rotary, and other functions
as requested. We’ve played
at a Northern High School
Choir Concert.
Was there a memorable
performance for the quintet
that stands above the rest?
Indeed, Dave remembers
that “five years ago, Mr.
Fyler submitted an application and audition recording
for the Dillsburg Brass to
play at the annual PMEA
(PA Music Educators Association) Conference. We
were invited to the annual
conference which was held
in Hershey that year, and
we had the opportunity to
play at the festival.”
Nathan added, “Performing
at the PMEA conference
was a big deal for us. We
got statewide exposure.
While we were performing
a member of the Dallas
Brass heard us and asked us
to perform as part of a master class they were giving.
It was a privilege to be
asked to play for them.”
Jim's recalled two memorable
performances.
“Two years ago we played
at a benefit for Filey’s
church after it had burned
down. There were a lot of
performers, and I thought
that our performance that
day was one of our best
performances ever. We
came marching in slowly to
“Just a closer walk with
thee” which is one of my
favorite pieces.” Mr. DeMers is also peacock proud
of a recent concert in which
he had arranged a piece of
Beethoven’s 7th Symphony
for the quintet. Jim added,
“Since that time, I find that
I really enjoy arranging
music for the group.” What
a fantastic contribution he
brings to the ensemble!
“We have had several
different performances that
I will remember for many
years to come,” said Amy,
“I always enjoyed playing
for the Pinchot Park Lions
Club when my grandparents were still living. My
grandfather, Robert Urich
always enjoyed having us
perform for their dinner
events, and he was quick to
request a popular march, or
patriotic selection.” She
continued, “But probably
my favorite of our annual
performances is the Colonial Christmas Service that
we play in mid-December
at the old Monaghan Presbyterian Church in downtown Dillsburg. This service always captures the
Christmas spirit, with singalong hymns and carols and
the reading of the scriptures
that define the Christmas
story. I love performing for
it.”
Last and certainly, not
least, the quick wit of Brian. “My most memorable
performances are the ones
where I mess-up and there
are just too many to mention.”
Dillsburg is proud of
each and every one of the
musicians in the brass quintet who have given endless
hours of their time away
from
their
families
throughout the years.
Bringing the gift of music
to others and to each other
is such a meaningful activity. Music touches people's
lives in many ways and
makes the world even more
beautiful. Thank you for
your community service!
Up Close and Personal with the Dillsburg Brass
Name:
Dave Hamlet
Address: 1730 Stroup Circle
Email: [email protected]
Class of: 1988
Instrument: Trumpet
When did you begin playing music? I started playing the trumpet
in the summer before fourth grade.
Family: Jenny, wife; Kyle, son
Career: I am a civil engineer working for a consulting firm, Gannett Fleming in its
headquarters office in Camp Hill. I am the Operations Manager and a Senior
Project Manager for the Highway Design Group.
NHS Most Influential Teacher: It was Mr Schwartz (math teacher). His classes
were tough, and it forced me to study hard. It prepared me
for the kind of studying needed to be successful in college.
Getting to know David:
What was your proudest accomplishment? Becoming an Eagle Scout
A favorite childhood memory? Backpacking in New Mexico with the Boy Scouts
What’s the best advice you ever received? You get out of life what you put into it
What TV shows did you watch as a kid? Magnum P.I., Simon and Simon
What’s your idea of relaxation: Almost anything that doesn’t involve a computer or cell phone.
What makes you angry? Government’s inability to accomplish its goals
What is your favorite movie? Raiders of the Lost Arc
My favorite comfort food: ice cream
What magazines do you subscribe to? Sports Illustrated
Your idea of exercise is: Running 3 miles
Name: Amy Urich
Address: Manheim, PA
Email: [email protected]
Class of: 1992
Instrument: French Horn
When did you begin playing music? I think that I got my first piano as
a birthday gift when I was seven years old.
Family: My husband, Dan Eppinger, and my daughter, Maggie Eppinger (19
months old)
Career: I have a degree in education, but most recently (for the last five years), I
have been working in project management, for a nationally recognized engineering firm, URS. I am also a part time stay-at-home mom to my nineteen-month-old
daughter, Maggie. I love being a mom!
NHS Most Influential Teacher: I loved Judy Dambach. She was a fantastic
choral director, a great music teacher, and just a joy to work with. She,
unfortunately, passed away this year, and I will miss her!
Getting to know Amy:
What was your first job? My first job was a cashier position at Weis Market
I’m not good at: I am a people-pleaser, so I have a hard time saying no.
Three adjectives that best describe you? Happy, responsible, and optimistic
Your guilty pleasure? A cold beer or a good glass of wine, every now and then.
My biggest pet peeve: People who were raised without respect for those around them.
Something that’s always in your refrigerator: Turkey Hill Diet Iced Tea
The best way to get on your good side: Do something nice for me or my family.
What’s the best advice you ever received? If at first you do not succeed, try again.
What was your favorite school subject? Geometry
What’s you favorite aroma? Pine trees. It reminds me of very special moments in my life.
Name: Brian Stwalley
Address: Dillsburg, PA
Email: [email protected]
Class of: 1990
Instrument: Trumpet
When did you begin playing music? I’ve played trumpet
since sixth grade.
Family: Kim, wife; Children: Drew, Lauren, Brianna
Career: Currently Senior Director of Quality Assurance at
Omnicare Inc., a Fortune 400 company.
NHS Most Influential Teacher: My mother.
Getting to know Brian:
What was your proudest accomplishment? I hope it’s yet to come.
A favorite childhood memory? Fishing with my grandfather
Do you have any unfilled ambitions? Be an extra on Sesame Street
I’m not good at: Accepting compliments
The best way to get on your good side: Be direct, genuine, and knowledgeable.
Something that’s always in your refrigerator? A bottle of champagne just in case
What makes you angry? Anytime ignorance and judgmentalism intersect
What makes you cry? Those abused pet ads
Name a cause you support whole heartedly: Term limits for all elected officials
What’s the best advice you ever received? Spend your discretionary income on experiences instead of
things…memories last longer.
Name: James DeMers
Address: Dover, PA
Email: [email protected]
Class of: 1990
Instrument: Trombone
When did you begin playing music? Since 3rd
grade, I’ve been
playing the trombone.
Family: Wife: Jennifer, Brother: George married to Lisa w/ 1 son
Mason, Brother Chris with son Morgan. Mother, Carol
Career: I am a full time Long Term Care Pharmacist, and I enjoy
building things, woodworking, and metalworking. I’ve recently started arranging
music for the group which I really enjoy. If I can find a score for a piece that I like,
I can usually come up with an arrangement for the five of us.
NHS Most Influential Teacher: I would have to say Doug Riley as
far as my musical background. As for my professional background,
no question that Dave Bowman (8th grade science) was my favorite
teacher.
Getting to know James:
A favorite childhood memory? Band camp at Lebanon Valley College each summer
What’s the best advice you ever received? Assert yourself.
I’m not good at: Dealing with lazy people!!
Name a few of your heroes: My late father, Abraham Lincoln, and Dick Winters
My favorite comfort food: Pizza
Favorite movie: Dances with Wolves
Three adjectives that best describe you? Motivated, multitalented, and easygoing
A quote to live by: Live today as if it were your last, today never comes again.
A family tradition: Christmas Dinner at one of our homes.
What's your idea of a really good vacation: Cruise to Hawaii or Australia for 2-4 weeks
Name: Nathan Young
Address: York Springs, PA
Email: [email protected]
Class of: 1988
Instrument: Tuba
When did you begin playing music? I started playing Alto Saxophone in third
grade. I then switched to tuba when I found my Grandfathers old Tuba in his attic. I have been playing Tuba ever since.
Family: I am married to Jacqueline for 7 years. We have a little boy
named Patrick who is 2 ?. We have our second child on the way,
another little boy, who is due on September 14th.
Career: I own my own Display and Graphic company called Exhibit Studios. We
provide trade show displays, large graphics and event services for companies all
over the world. My wife and I also own a small farm where we raise goats and
honey bees. It keeps my life pretty full, but I find it to be a good balance between the intellectual work at the office and the physical work at home.
NHS Most Influential Teacher: Mr. Richard Fyler, the former band
director. I have known him since I was a little kid. He taught me
how to play tuba and encouraged me to keep getting better.
Getting to know Nathan:
How would you define success? Continually setting goals for yourself and consistently attaining them.
What TV shows did you watch as a kid? MASH
I’m not good at: Art. I am not good at drawing, painting or anything artistic.
What’s your favorite aroma? The smell of warm homemade, just from the oven, apple pie
The best way to get on your good side: Feed me a good meal.
Your favorite restaurant: My wife’s kitchen.
Three adjectives that best describe you? Patient, Detail Oriented, and Caring
My biggest pet peeve: People who complain about having to do the work to get the desired result they want.
A quote to live by: “Love what you do.”
What is something people might be surprised to know? I was a Sprint Car Mechanic at Williams Grove from almost 15 years.