South Hanover Community Band, PA

Prepare yourself for a very entertaining episode featuring our guests: Roger LaRocque, and Dr. Keith Richardson from Hershey, Pennsylvania. The South Hanover Community Band is only 3 years old and seems well positioned to develop further in relatively new facilities. It is providing summer music for listeners and opportunities for local musicians to have fun performing. Roger, an old friend of Doc Smith’s, let us know about the band and his new friend, Dr. Richardson. Keith is the director of the high school band in town and actually grew up in the area. But, apparently there was not a community band that he found out about while he was younger. After studying music education and trumpet performance at the fine music department of Lebanon Valley College he earned a masters degree (Duquesne) and eventually a DMA (Boston University) while balancing a teaching career. His dissertation topic, developing leadership in bands, is something that he is an excellent model of throughout his career. As he was completing his dissertation, he founded the South Hannover Community Band with a handful of local bands enthusiasts including Roger LaRocque. Roger was a trumpet player in the Rhode Island area who made his living in automobile sales, but is certainly enthusiastic about playing his trumpet! He moved to Hershey a few years ago and discovered this band just as it was starting. Their bandshell provides a distant view of famous Hershey Park, but the best ride for you today will be listening to their stories right here. Enjoy!! 

To contact Dr. Richardson about the South Hanover Community Band you can find information on the town website:https://www.southhanover.org.org or on the band’s Facebook page: South Hanover Township Community Band or Dr. Richardson’s school email [e-mail]