Lawrence Rappoldt began teaching instrumental music as an adjunct faculty member at Conestoga Christian School in the fall of 2010. Primarily instructing students how to play brass, woodwind, orchestral string and percussion instruments, he also teaches piano. Under his leadership, the CCS Concert Band made its debut in the spring of 2011. He has directed that group ever since.
Mr. Rappoldt earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Gettysburg College (Sunderman Conservatory of Music) and his Master’s Degree in Education from Wilkes University. He has also studied at the West Chester University School of Music and St. Joseph’s University.
Beginning and ending his 32 year public school teaching career in the Coatesville Area School District of Coatesville, PA, Mr. Rappoldt was the director of the high school orchestra and the award winning Red Raider Marching Band from 1978-1983. During that time, the band earned numerous awards – such as the Queen’s Trophy at the Azalea Festival in Norfolk, VA – and performed in front of over 1.2 million people, including two pre-game performances for the Philadelphia Phillies. The high school concert band which he also directed received outstanding ratings at various festivals throughout the state.
From 1983-2003, Mr. Rappoldt conducted the distinguished Gordon Middle School Concert Band of Coatesville, PA. Ensembles and bands under his tutelage were eight times selected as among the best in the state, resulting in performances at Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Conventions held in Philadelphia, Hershey, Wilkes Barre, Pittsburgh and Erie. Three other groups under his leadership also performed at the thirteen-state All-Eastern Conference of the Music Educators National Conference (now called the National Association for Music Education). In 2003, Gordon Middle School closed and Mr. Rappoldt then provided leadership for the band program at Scott Middle School until the spring of 2010.
While teaching band at the middle school level, Mr. Rappoldt served the Coatesville School District as the Instrumental Music Coordinator. He also taught general music and was occasionally called upon to provide instruction for the chorus program. In 1993, he formed a middle school steel drum band that remained an integral part of the instrumental program during the rest of his public school tenure. Mr. Rappoldt also served as music director for no less than 15 middle school musicals and also presented workshops at several conventions on how small group ensembles enhance the musicality of a large performing group.
Mr. Rappoldt has guest conducted band festivals, written music for the University of Tennessee, and continues to compose and arrange music for various instrumental and choral groups. In 2011, he began teaching private lessons and directing the bands at Berks Christian School in Birdsboro, PA. Actively involved in church music since his childhood, he is currently the organist and director of both the Chancel and Handbell Choirs at Thorndale United Methodist Church in Thorndale, PA.
Mr. Rappoldt has been married to his wife, Meg, since 1981. They have two daughters, Laura and Sarah.
Update from Mr. Rappoldt
Hello Parents and Students, The CCS Band (or Bandchestra) a wonderful year in 2015-2016. In combination with Berks Christian School Band, we performed such notable works as Leroy Anderson's "A Christmas Festival," "Highlights from 'Fiddler on the Roof'" and a medley songs from the various Star Wars movies. We also started an ensemble for our instrumentalists who are not as experienced as those in the bandchestra, and this group performed at our school's 2016 Spring Concert.
I am very much looking forward to what 2016-2017 holds in store for us. New and unforeseen musical opportunities and adventures await each of us. Regardless what we do today or in the future, Jesus will be the focus of what we do in the instrumental music program. We have one purpose in the CCS music department: “Creating Music for God's Glory." I am looking forward to continue doing that and I hope you are too!
In Christ, Mr. Rappoldt
"Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise Him with the harp and lyre, Praise Him with timbrel and dancing, praise Him with the strings and pipe, Praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord." - Psalm 150:3-6 (NIV)