The Marple Newtown Community Band is a non-profit, all-volunteer musical organization that rehearses (and performs two full-length concerts per year) at Congregation Beth Israel of Media. The band also regularly performs at local senior communities, area events, parades, and minor-league baseball games.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
Arbor Day Tree Planting (Malin Tot Lot, Marple) – Friday, April 25, 2025, 3:45 p.m.
Lima Estates – Tuesday, May 6, 2025 (private performance)
Congregation Beth Israel – Saturday, May 17, 2025, 7:00 p.m. (free to the public)
Maris Grove – Wednesday, May 21, 2025 (private performance)
The band recently performed at the 2024 Marple Newtown 4th of July parade, as well as on-field before a Wilmington Blue Rocks game, in addition to:
Saturday, May 18, 2024; 7:00 p.m.
Congregation Beth Israel of Media
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Monday, May 20, 2024; 6:30 p.m.
East Goshen Park; 1661 Paoli Pike; West Chester, PA
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Tuesday, May 21, 2024; 7:15 p.m.
Lima Estates (private performance)
Harvest Day at Thomas Massey House – Saturday, October 19, 2024, 1:00 p.m.
Marple Newtown (MN) Community Day – Saturday, October 26, 2024, 4:00 p.m.
Lima Estates – Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024 (private performance)
Riddle Village – Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 (private performance)
Congregation Beth Israel – Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, 7:00 p.m. (free to the public)
Meet the Conductors
Kevin Sparks, Conductor
Kevin Sparks is pleased to join MNCB for his first season as conductor! Kevin started his musical journey playing guitar followed by clarinet for his high school band. From there, he continued in his love for music at the University of South Dakota where he earned his B.A. in Music Education. After college, he taught in the Omaha Metro area for 3 years. For the last 6 years, Kevin has taught band and orchestra at the Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School. Kevin also has a proud background of community band participation, having played bass clarinet and clarinet for the Sioux City Community Band, the Omaha Symphonic Winds, and the Merion Concert Band where he is also associate conductor.
Laura Hopf, Associate Conductor
Laura Hopf is our youngest Associate Conductor. She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in May of 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. This is her first time conducting a concert band.
Laura grew up loving her saxophone and dreaming of becoming a band director. She graduated college, found a job, and moved back home to Springfield, but something was missing. That was when she rekindled her friendship with Deborah Newnham. Deb’s husband, George, and Laura’s father are old coworkers. When Deb heard Laura was going to be a music teacher, she took her under her wing and taught her the tricks of the trade. Joining the band followed soon after!
Laura currently resides in Springfield, PA and teaches at Stonehurst Hills Elementary School in Upper Darby School District. She is the general music teacher and choir director. Laura’s primary instrument is saxophone, and her secondary instrument is oboe. When she’s not at band, Laura enjoys volunteering at Colonial Plantation and reading a good book.
Deborah Newnham, Associate Conductor
Deborah Lubey Newnham is a music teacher at Episcopal Academy (Newtown Square, PA) with 35 years of experience educating the very young. Focusing on teaching children to sing, move, and play song games prepares the students to read, write, and create music. In addition, 4th Grade Band, 5th Grade Band, Pep Band, and 4th/5th Grade Ensemble Club keep her busy with rehearsals and performances.
Deborah completed her Bachelor of Music Education (1988) and Master of Music (1994) at Temple University. She resides with her family in Havertown, PA, and enjoys traveling to Band practice with her husband, George. Deb loves playing the clarinet and is excited to build her conducting skills.
Bonnie Strang, Associate Conductor
Bonnie Strang received degrees in BS. Mus.Ed. and M.Ed. from West Chester University and an Ed.D. in Higher Learning from Widener University. After 41 years, Bonnie retired as band director of Ridley Jr.H, MS, and elementary schools. The bands placed first place, superior ratings in major competitions in Niagara Falls, Canada, Ocean City, MD and Washington DC. The Ridley Jr. concert and stage bands were selected to perform at the PMEA Convention as well as the Ridley Elementary Jazz Band under the joint direction of R. Swallow, Terri O’Brien and Bonnie Strang. She was the director of the Delaware Valley Symphonic Band (DVSB) that performed 7 tours throughout Europe, England, Great Britain and Australia. Under her guidance, the DVSB commissioned Claude T. Smith and James Swearingen to compose works, conduct and tour with the DVSB. The Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge Awarded the DVSB 3 George Washington Gold Medals and one Honorable Mention for serving as American ambassadors. During one tour, the DVSB was guest of the Ambassador of Switzerland at her private residence in Bern. Bonnie also was selected as guest conductor of the Chester County Honors Band.
Since her retirement, she has expanded her interests to include softball, pickleball and badminton. While participating in the 2020 Phillies Phantasy Camp she received the prestigious Maje McDonnell Award. She was just selected to the National Senior Softball Hall of Fame class of 2022. The induction ceremony took place in Delaware in August 2023.
About Our Band
The Marple Newtown Community Band is a non-profit, all-volunteer musical organization that rehearses (and performs two full-length concerts per year) at Congregation Beth Israel of Media. The band also regularly performs at local senior communities, area events, parades, and minor-league baseball games.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
Arbor Day Tree Planting (Malin Tot Lot, Marple) – Friday, April 25, 2025, 3:45 p.m.
Lima Estates – Tuesday, May 6, 2025 (private performance)
Congregation Beth Israel – Saturday, May 17, 2025, 7:00 p.m. (free to the public)
Maris Grove – Wednesday, May 21, 2025 (private performance)
