Hazleton Area High School Appoints Helen Rettger as New Band Director

Helen Rettger has been appointed as the new band director at Hazleton Area High School, aiming to eliminate financial barriers that prevent students from participating in music programs. During a school board meeting on October 23, 2023, board members expressed surprise at the existing dues for band members, which can deter potential participants. The band currently consists of 57 members from a district that includes four high schools and a cyber academy with a total of 4,150 students.

Rettger, who grew up in Central Mississippi as the daughter of Cuban immigrants, emphasized the importance of accessibility in music education. “I have personally witnessed and participated in the magic that music can give us when we have nothing,” she stated. The annual dues for students in the marching band amount to $110, covering jackets, equipment repairs, staff stipends, and a yearly banquet. Additional costs are incurred for indoor winter programs, with fees reaching $373 for indoor winds and $427 for color guard members, which include travel and accommodation for competitions.

In response to these financial challenges, Rettger plans to prioritize the concert band, which remains free to join. “Costs can discourage participation in any organization. That’s one of the reasons we will be focusing on education, performance, and rebuilding culture without the high travel or competition expenses,” she explained. The Hazleton Area marching band recently demonstrated its potential by securing fourth place at the Atlantic Coast Championships in Hershey after winning four consecutive competitions.

Betsy Durso, a member of the band booster club, highlighted the dedication of the students despite the obstacles they face, including outdated instruments. “Considering all the obstacles — the broken instruments, the few kids — they’ve got heart. They love what they’re doing,” she remarked. The school board and Superintendent Brian Uplinger were not aware of the dues until Durso brought it to their attention. Durso believes that a larger band is essential for the school, stating, “For a school this size, we should have a much bigger band.”

Rettger is committed to expanding the band while maintaining quality. “Absolutely, I do want to grow the band, but I’m also careful to say that quality comes before quantity,” she stated. “A smaller band can sound and look great when it’s well-taught and well-organized. Music is a place everyone belongs.”

In the financial realm, Hazleton Area has allocated $55,460 for the band club in the current school budget, which covers various expenses such as travel and supplies. For the upcoming 2026-27 school year, the district plans to budget an additional $150,000 for school bands and classroom music. Between July 2024 and October 2024, the district spent $306,929 on instruments, repairs, and music supplies, addressing urgent needs for replacement equipment.

Jessica Shafer, chair of the Music Department, noted that many instruments were in disrepair. “Many of the harnesses were held together with duct tape, zip ties, and old screws. Much of the equipment was not safe to use anymore,” she said. Additionally, the district made investments in percussion instruments for bands at elementary and middle schools, providing access to quality equipment that many students cannot afford.

Recruitment is a critical aspect of building a successful band program. Neil Forte, a former director of the Hazleton Area Band, emphasized the importance of early training and visibility in the community. “Seeing the band play in concerts, parades, and field shows helps with recruitment,” he explained. Forte congratulated Rettger on her new role and acknowledged the demands she will face.

Mary Lichtenwalner, the outgoing band director, will transition to pursuing a master’s degree with the intention of teaching at the college level. She expressed confidence in Rettger’s abilities, saying, “She’s set up for success.”

Rettger previously taught music at Hazle Township Early Learning Center and is eager to return to her roots in band leadership. Alongside her, her husband, Patrick Rettger, has been hired to teach music at the elementary level. A professor of tuba and a former Army bandsman, he shares a passion for music education. “We’re a musical family,” Helen Rettger noted, highlighting their commitment to fostering a love of music in their two children.

With the support of the Hazleton Area School District and the band boosters, Rettger is optimistic about the future of the band program. “Our students are looking forward to sharing their love of music as well as their ambition to be the best they can be,” she concluded.