The founder of the Cumberland County Community Band has passed.

Murray Kidwell was a teacher for many years in the Cumberland County School System including teaching at North Cumberland Elementary and Martin Elementary Schools.

Murray graduated from Cumberland County High School and went on to active military service with the United States Air Force, Europe Band.  Mr. Kidwell’s primary instruments are the flute and piccolo.  He also plays the string bass.

The Air Force Band performances took Murray to countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and to 48 of the United States.  He performed concerts with the Berlin Philharmonic and the Paris Opera Orchestra.  He also played at Westminister Abbey and at the Mozarteum in Saltzsburg.  In addition to his Air Force Band work, he has also played in combos, dance bands and symphony orchestras.  Mr Kidwell has a career of over 8,000 concerts in the military to his credit.

The community band was started in the summer of 2000 when Mr. Kidwell gathered a small group of local musicians.  Later that fall, on November 7^th rehearsals were begun and on December 10^th at the Cumberland County High School Gymnasium, the first concert was held with the Cumberland County High School Band.  Mr. Kidwell continued to conduct the growing group of musicians until his retirement in the spring of 2008.

The Community Band now is more than 80 members strong.

Mr. Kidwell was a second-generation Homesteader.

Mr. Kidwell, a veteran himself, passed away on Veteran’s Day.  Memorial Services will be announced at a later date for 81-year-old Murray Kidwell.