Ryan Unger, of Sunbury, another 1997 Shikellamy graduate, said friendships he developed while in the band remain strong today. A trombone and baritone horn player, Unger said Schnader’s unique leadership style helped him learn a lot about himself.

“He is widely respected by many band alumni in large part due to his leadership,” said Unger.

Unger recalled the trip the band took to Florida to perform in the Orange Bowl as a high point in his band career, as did Schnader.

“That was our big moment,” Schnader said.

He also cited their trip to the Fiesta Bowl and the band’s performance at Carnegie Hall in New York.

Beating North Penn, a large suburban Philadelphia high school, in the Pennsylvania Cavalcade of Bands, not once but twice in his career also ranked right up there, Schnader said.

“I wanted to give the students the best possible musical education,” Schnader said. “The marching band was a by-product of that.”

The competition season and parades during the school year gave the band a chance to show off, he said, but he enjoyed the concert performances most.

“In a concert, you get the kids to respond musically, and those are my most cherished memories,” he said.

Schnader said he’s looking forward to attending the reunion.

“I still look at them as my kids,” he said with a laugh, “but they’re all grown up now.”