History - 1957 to 1966

Band and Orchestra History Overview | 1922 | 1937 | 1947 | 1957 | 1967 | 1977 | 1987 | 1997

1957
Jan. - Liberty has always prided itself on its diverse offerings of music. The minutes read: "Mr. Ricapito spoke to the Mothers. the concert [March 29] will have long hair, short hair and Rock and Roll music - in other words, to suit the likings of all types of people."
Oct. - "Mr. Ricapito stated that Liberty's Mothers' Club will be mentioned in a book by Edwin Franko Goldman's daughter."

1959
March - New uniforms purchased (117 band, 14 majorette at $7,527)
Nov. - "An expression of sympathy to Mr. Joseph Ricapito and his family was felt by all. on the passing of [his] beloved wife."

1960
Sept. - "Mr. Ricapito, who noted it was his 38th year of teaching, read an interesting article of music in the Schools of North America. It was noted that the first orchestra in America was in Bethlehem, established by the Moravians."

1961
April - "Mr. Ricapito also said his prime reason for running for School Board Director was to see that our many fine musical groups would not cease to exist. he considered the Band and Orchestra a large family with him as the protecting father."
May - Minutes indicate that "Barry Snyder, a very fine student pianist, entertained most ablely by playing Chopin's Nocturne in F# minor and Scherzo in B minor. " (Barry is currently on Eastman School of Music's faculty and a renowned concert pianist.)
June - Joseph Ricapito retires.
Sept. - Ronald Sherry takes over as Liberty's 2nd director. The minutes read: "Introduced were Mr. Charles Klein, principal, Mr. Ronald Sherry, and Mr. Carlton Weaver. Mr. Klein said he was well pleased with Mr. Sherry. Mr. Sherry said he always looked forward to coming back. He praised the Band for being disciplined and well organized."
Oct. - "Mr. Carlton Weaver gave a brief speech. He marveled at the members of the Band and Orchestra for coming out every morning to practice. he was pleased with the results."

1962
Sept. - Parade of High School Bands, Allentown Fair
Oct. - The Mothers' Club always devoted a portion of the meeting to social concerns, as well as to business. This month's entertainment: ".Miss Maryanne Hopper of the Bell Telephone Company, who presented a program entitled, 'It's Fun to Entertain!' . Miss Hopper told of the many different types of parties and distributed a booklet of 'Hostess Hints'. One of the most important things is for a hostess to have fun at her own party." [My, how times have changed!]

1963
June - Alumni Parade, Lehigh University
Sept. - Parade of High School Bands, Allentown Fair
Oct. - Boyertown Cavalcade of Bands, 3rd place

1964
June - Alumni Parade, Lehigh University
-Alumni Parade, Lafayette College
Oct. - Boyertown avalcade of Bands, 2nd place

1965
Oct. - Boyertown Cavalcade of Bands, 1st place

1966
Sept. - New uniforms arrive, along with the Band's new image, the "Grenadiers"!
April - The "Mothers' Club" changes with the times: "This association shall be known as the 'Liberty High School Band and Orchestra Parents Organization'. membership shall consist of parents or guardians of members and former members of the Band and Orchestra."

Overview | 1922 | 1937 | 1947 | 1957 | 1967 | 1977 | 1987 | 1997