The very first band in Pottsville Area High School was created at the beginning of the 1901-'02 term. Unfortunately, it lasted for only for a short period of time and was disbanded on the advice from the principal, S. A. Thurlow. The makeup of the band was as follows:
Band Master............Al Morris
Zwombone...........Fred Whitmore
Trommet.............Chas Brennan
Tambourine.............Pete Pugh
Occamedolian.........Dave Morgan
Base Piano...............By King
Phonograph.........Choc Striegel
1st Whistle.............Stu Cake
2nd Whistle..........Ned Filbert
3rd Whistle.............Ros Koch
4th Whistle..........Bob Freiler
Dish Pan...............Lou Grant
Scoop-shovel......Hooper Buddell
Cracker Barrel.......Al Dietrich
1853-The first session of Pottsville Area High School begins.
1894-The students of P.H.S. paid $35.00 to rent a piano for the school year.
1896-The first orchestra is organized with Harry B. Zimmerman as the leader. It is disbanded in the middle of the year.
1901-Above mentioned band is created.
1929-Through the efforts of Director Earl Haviland, the music clubs, and the parents of the student musicians, another orchestra is created.
1929-The first real band is organized under the leadership of Mr. Marburger.
1930-The band begins attending football games to supply entertainment.
1934-Leo F. Minnichbach is appointed to conduct the band.
1935-Mr. Minnichbach becomes the conductor of the orchestra.
1937-The color guard is added to the band.
1940-The first majorettes are added to the band, Alyce Kennedy and Miriam Starr.
1942-Assistance is given to Mr. Minnichbach because of increased duties. Ray Runkle is appointed to drill the band in formations and Kenneth Kissinger is placed in charge of uniforms.
1945-The first female drum major, Patsy Knobloch, is appointed.
1950-Due to a falling off in personnel and lack of interest, the orchestra is disbanded.
1953-The Scottish Bagpipe Unit of the P.H.S. Band, better known as "The Kilts", is formed. Consisting of 25 girls and a leader, it includes bagpipe players, drummers and marchers, all attired in uniforms of genuine Scotch plaid of the Macbeth clan. This group is under the direction of Mr. Minnichbach.
1969- Origin of the flags.
197?-Richard Fries is appointed conductor of the band, relieving Mr. Richard Miller.
1980- The Band played for the sixth and final game of the World Series
where the Phildelphia Phillies won.
1981-The Bagpipes Unit is disbanded.
1984-The marching band went to its first competition hosted by Governor
Mifflin School at the Albright Stadium in Reading.
1990-The marching band is asked to perform for an AT&T commercial which was broadcasted nationwide.
1998-The Pottsville Area High School Band Alumni Webpage is created.
