THe UnOfficial History

Excellence is defined as the state or quality of excelling. You can never truly achieve it because once you feel you have arrived, you begin to decline.  The Kittanning Fireman’s Band exemplifies the pursuit of excellence. Through 75 years of performing, members have served faithfully in a unified effort to provide an entertaining, professional organization.

We accept nothing but the best from every member, and value every member’s contribution. From the senior citizen carrying the national colors, to the high school sophomore still discovering his musical abilities, each member gives of themselves for the greater good.

 We represent a broad spectrum of men. We have professional musicians, policemen, professors, teachers and soldiers. We have nurses, computer programmers, college and high school students. We have laborers, salesmen, retirees and postal workers. Our musical abilities vary, from the symphony performer to the novice.

We all have musical talent, some more than others. But the beauty of music creates a synergy like no other pursuit. We do not judge each other. We encourage and, in good nature, make light of gaffs and blaring mistakes. With such a mixed group of performers we must always strike a balance between ability and effort. If you are trying hard, it is all that we ask, and we always respect individual feelings.

Members participate for the love of performing, to be part of something great. Our Color Guard is just as critical to our image as the music we play. Volunteer organizations typically run their course and don’t always sustain a level of enthusiasm and commitment that are necessary for the long term. 60 years of multiple awards as well as national features is a true testament to greatness sustains, mediocrity fails.

                We have performed for small towns, state Governors, festivals and professional sports teams.  Our marching band is coveted throughout Pennsylvania. As we march through towns and cities we create an almost euphoric response from the citizens lining the route. We are almost always the last band on the docket. Parade organizers understand that people are willing to wait for us, to stand and cheer as we pass. It is the single most gratifying time for us, to experience this together with our many fans.

We have become the “unofficial” band of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the greatest sports franchise of all time. The Steelers exemplify the city of hard workers, no flash, and all effort. We are a perfect example of Western Pennsylvania work ethic. Other NFL teams hire U2 and Bruce Springsteen for half-time entertainment for Championship Games. The Steelers prefer one of their own, representatives of the town they live in, and the people who love them. Steeler fans are hard to please, but they love us for reasons that go beyond commercialism. Most could not care less if Jessica Simpson sings her latest release, but they all love Bill Bailey and the Pennsylvania Polka. They get it, and they love us. 

Our uniforms represent Army surplus khakis and helmets from post World War II. Simple in design and pleasing to the eye, they have stood the test of time. Our appearance in full parade dress is both conservative and striking. A paramilitary image is both respectable as well as recognizable to people who look for and identify with self-respect and conservatism.

Band members have come and gone. The founding members of 1949, citizens of the greatest generation, laid the groundwork for who we are today. We have changed little since then. Community bands, so prevalent from the late 19th century through early 20th century, have disappeared. Radio, television and other forms of easily attainable entertainment pushed many to fade away. But Kittanning Fireman’s Band has always understood that if you give the people what they want, they will always remain faithful. Change is inevitable and almost always necessary, but we understand that what made us great are what we will always be, friends, comrades and professionals.

 The key to our longevity is that we have always respected our heritage, and always strived for excellence. Everyone wants to belong to something special, to be valued as an individual and to contribute to something great. This has created a family in many ways, and we care for each other. We will always hold these values and dedication as a testament to those past, as well as those future members who will carry the roles into the future.

As we pause to reflect and honor our past members, both living and departed, let us all be grateful for the wonderful experiences we have been provided, and the life-long friendships we have developed. I cannot think of a better group of men to be associated with than the Kittanning Firemen’s Band. If you ask any one of us, I know you will get the same answer.

If you listen to the lyrics of the Big Guy March, written days after the tragic death of member Kevin “Big Guy” McKelvey, you will understand in just 8 lines the spirit of the band and the love we have for our band and each other.

We’re the men of KFB

Bringing to you good cheer

Sousa, Colona, Bill Bailey

And in Heaven there is no beer!

Through the years and years to come

Marching side by side

Big Guy you’ll always be with us

And your sprit will never die.

We will never forget Big Guy and all those that have made us who we are today. It is our honor to perform for you and our brothers through 75 years.