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Williamsport Music Club Holds Year-End Meeting, Announces New Officers, and Hosts 90th Pennsylvania Federation Convention
On a crisp June evening, the Williamsport Music Club transformed its sanctuary into a stage for celebration and renewal. On June 8, 2026, members, local musicians, and representatives from the Pennsylvania Federation of Music Clubs (PFMC) gathered to honor a century‑long legacy and chart the club’s future.
The meeting opened with a review of past achievements, followed by the election of new officers. PFMC President Kristin Ivers presented certificates to Ryan Workman, recognizing his leadership and the club’s programming during the previous season. Ivers also highlighted members who had served as church musicians for over five decades, and thanked Workman and his wife, Ann, for their service as club president and vice‑president.
Nomination Chair Kay Huffman introduced the slate for the 2026‑28 term. The membership approved the slate, adding three new directors. Ivers then conducted the National Federation installation service, installing Marilyn Burget as club president, leaving the vice‑president position vacant until filled, and appointing Donna Hensler as recording secretary. Mary Beth Kibbe will remain as corresponding and federation secretary, Leatha Kieser will stay treasurer, and Ivers will continue as librarian. The club’s directors are Ryan Workman, Kay Huffman, and Marilyn Kern.
After the business portion, the club hosted a year‑end program in the sanctuary, chaired by guitarist and vocalist Scott Schell. Performers included Susan Stopper (guitar and vocal), Kindred Spirits (vocal and instrumental ensemble), pianist Sofia Tira, pianist Grace Stolz, Schell himself, pianist Laim Connor, pianist and vocalist Jayden Brown, violinist Serin Heller with pianist Carol Waltz, pianist Pierce Biddle, violinist Grace Stolz with pianist Morgan Stolz, and guitarist and vocalist Marco Blas.
The PFMC’s 90th biennial convention ran from May 21 to 23 at the Holiday Inn in Williamsport. The gathering served to conduct business with the board of directors, hear reports from the 16 state clubs, showcase local musicians, and commemorate 110 years of the federation.
The official opening on Friday, May 22, featured a 15‑minute concert by the Repasz Brass Ensemble, directed by Jeffrey Dent. The ensemble also provided accompaniment for the National Anthem and the federation hymn. The Williamsport Music Club Vocal Ensemble performed “We Sing!” and “Carry the Light.” A proclamation from the governor was read, and a presidential citation of honor was presented to the outgoing senior club president for 17 years of service.
During the president’s banquet, the Williamsport Area High School Millionaire Strolling Strings, directed by Matt Radspinner, entertained guests and sang “Happy Birthday, PFMC!”. Keystone Salute Chair Suzanne Revak‑Fedele presented the state federation’s highest honor, the Keystone Salute Award, to three local recipients: Barbara Murray of DuShore, Dr. Charles L. Getchell of Williamsport, and Walt Straiton of Williamsport. The award recognizes outstanding musical contributions and service to the community and the federation.
These combined events highlighted the Williamsport Music Club’s ongoing commitment to musical excellence and community service. The installation of new officers and the recognition of long‑time contributors underscore the club’s continuity, while the PFMC convention celebrated a century of musical advocacy across Pennsylvania. Both gatherings reaffirmed the clubs’ roles as cultural hubs and their influence on local and state‑wide music programming.
The club’s leadership will now focus on implementing the new officers’ agenda for the 2026‑28 term, while the PFMC continues to support its member clubs through programming, competitions, and community outreach. No further announcements were made regarding upcoming tours or releases at this time.
The meeting opened with a review of past achievements, followed by the election of new officers. PFMC President Kristin Ivers presented certificates to Ryan Workman, recognizing his leadership and the club’s programming during the previous season. Ivers also highlighted members who had served as church musicians for over five decades, and thanked Workman and his wife, Ann, for their service as club president and vice‑president.
Nomination Chair Kay Huffman introduced the slate for the 2026‑28 term. The membership approved the slate, adding three new directors. Ivers then conducted the National Federation installation service, installing Marilyn Burget as club president, leaving the vice‑president position vacant until filled, and appointing Donna Hensler as recording secretary. Mary Beth Kibbe will remain as corresponding and federation secretary, Leatha Kieser will stay treasurer, and Ivers will continue as librarian. The club’s directors are Ryan Workman, Kay Huffman, and Marilyn Kern.
After the business portion, the club hosted a year‑end program in the sanctuary, chaired by guitarist and vocalist Scott Schell. Performers included Susan Stopper (guitar and vocal), Kindred Spirits (vocal and instrumental ensemble), pianist Sofia Tira, pianist Grace Stolz, Schell himself, pianist Laim Connor, pianist and vocalist Jayden Brown, violinist Serin Heller with pianist Carol Waltz, pianist Pierce Biddle, violinist Grace Stolz with pianist Morgan Stolz, and guitarist and vocalist Marco Blas.
The PFMC’s 90th biennial convention ran from May 21 to 23 at the Holiday Inn in Williamsport. The gathering served to conduct business with the board of directors, hear reports from the 16 state clubs, showcase local musicians, and commemorate 110 years of the federation.
The official opening on Friday, May 22, featured a 15‑minute concert by the Repasz Brass Ensemble, directed by Jeffrey Dent. The ensemble also provided accompaniment for the National Anthem and the federation hymn. The Williamsport Music Club Vocal Ensemble performed “We Sing!” and “Carry the Light.” A proclamation from the governor was read, and a presidential citation of honor was presented to the outgoing senior club president for 17 years of service.
During the president’s banquet, the Williamsport Area High School Millionaire Strolling Strings, directed by Matt Radspinner, entertained guests and sang “Happy Birthday, PFMC!”. Keystone Salute Chair Suzanne Revak‑Fedele presented the state federation’s highest honor, the Keystone Salute Award, to three local recipients: Barbara Murray of DuShore, Dr. Charles L. Getchell of Williamsport, and Walt Straiton of Williamsport. The award recognizes outstanding musical contributions and service to the community and the federation.
These combined events highlighted the Williamsport Music Club’s ongoing commitment to musical excellence and community service. The installation of new officers and the recognition of long‑time contributors underscore the club’s continuity, while the PFMC convention celebrated a century of musical advocacy across Pennsylvania. Both gatherings reaffirmed the clubs’ roles as cultural hubs and their influence on local and state‑wide music programming.
The club’s leadership will now focus on implementing the new officers’ agenda for the 2026‑28 term, while the PFMC continues to support its member clubs through programming, competitions, and community outreach. No further announcements were made regarding upcoming tours or releases at this time.