Kerry D. Meads, Percussionist
Kerry D. Meads
April 8, 1965 – February 10, 2024
Kerry, a percussionist with the Carlisle Town Band for many years, passed away at Wellspan York Hospital on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the age of 58, from a heart attack he suffered on February 3.
Kerry was born in York, PA and graduated from Eastern High School, class of 1983. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Oberlin College and Conservatory and attended Manhattan School of Music for graduate work. An accomplished musician, Kerry played percussion professionally in orchestras on Broadway, The New York Philharmonic, and the Boston Pops. He played for local bands in carnivals, fairs, and festivals. He also played on cruise ships and for music tours throughout the United States and Europe over the years.
Kerry was a true character with many issues in his life . . . but playing percussion well was not one of those issues. His tragic loss of both parents within a short period of time a few years ago was devastating to him. He was musically talented and worked extremely hard with a non-negotiable intent to perform music as exactly and completely as the composer intended. To that end, Kerry became well known for his true “trademark” talent: the ability to play many different percussion instruments/parts at the same time! He was a member of at least six community bands when he passed away and we know that he will be missed by all of them. Kerry last performed with us at our December 2023 Carlisle Town Band Christmas Concert held at the Army Heritage Educational Center.
Truman C. Bullard, Bassoonist
Truman C. Bullard
September 17, 1938 – March 13, 2024
Truman, a bassoonist with the Carlisle Town Band for many years, passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on March 13 after a lengthy illness.
Truman was born in Rochester, New York, and graduated from The Harley School in Rochester. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Haverford College, a Master’s degree in Music History from Harvard University, and his PhD in Musicology from The Eastman School of Music.
Truman was an award-winning Professor of Music at Dickinson College from 1965 to 2000 where he directed two choral ensembles (the Dickinson College Choir and the Chamber Choir) and taught courses in music history and theory, including the history of jazz. From 1976 to 2014, he served as Visiting Professor of Musicology in summer sessions of The Eastman School of Music teaching graduate courses in his area of specialization, Russian Music and Culture.
Truman was a beloved community musician, educator, and mentor, promoting music and the arts in the greater Carlisle community. During his life he was active in The Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, The Buzz Jones Big Band, The Dickinson Orchestra, The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, The Eaken Trio, The Harrisburg Choral Society, The Central Pennsylvania Symphony, Cantate Carlisle, The Carlisle Town Band, The Messiah University Wind Ensemble, and Project Share. Truman also served as interim organist at his church, St. John’s Episcopal Church in Carlisle, and on the Boards of Directors of the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet and of Market Square Concerts.
Truman is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beth (a member of the Town Band’s flute section), his sons, Martin and wife Marta Janer of Seattle, WA, and Dexter of Chicago, IL, and four grandchildren.
Truman last played with the Town Band at our Fall 2022 concert held at Carlisle High School.