The Municipal Band of Allentown

Director Emeritus

Originally from Pottstown, Pennsylvania, Richard Steltz graduated from Pottsgrove High School in 1962. Mr. Steltz earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from West Chester State College and a Master's Degree in Music and Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, in New York. He studied trumpet privately with Seymour Rosenfeld of the Philadelphia Orchestra and with Harry Glasel in New York.

Mr. Steltz taught instrumental music in the Parkland School District for 33 years before retiring. He directed adult church choirs for ten years at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bowmanstown and for ten years at Asbury Methodist Church in Allentown.

Mr. Steltz originally joined the band playing third cornet. Over time, he was moved up the section to play solo cornet. Eventually he was named assistant conductor and later became the conductor for 20 years. After retiring from conductor of the band, he played trombone with the band for a short bit and has now settled down in the baritone section. Currently, he conducts the handbell choir at church, teaches private instrumental lessons, and does woodworking in his workshop. For exercise he walks, and particularly enjoys hiking in the woods.