The John Walter Cape Community Band has deep roots in Cape May County, tracing its beginnings to March 5, 1996, when John Walter, a former director from the Whitehall School District in Pennsylvania, retired to Avalon, NJ. With a passion for music and community, he placed a simple ad in the local paper inviting musicians to “get together and play for fun.” The response was overwhelming—35 musicians showed up, eager to join what would become the first community concert band in Cape May County.’
John, a true advocate for local involvement, named the group the Middle Township Community Band in recognition of the support from then-Mayor, Mike Voll. The band’s first rehearsals took place in what is now the Clarence Davies Sports Complex, later moving to the historic Goshen School.
By 1998, the band’s reputation had grown, and they achieved a milestone when they were invited to perform at the prestigious Cape May Bandstand—a gig John had dreamed of. In preparation for the concert, he even bought a new tuba, but tragically, John passed away just before the event. The concert went on, honoring his memory and love for music.
For the next two years, dedicated band members and local music educators took turns conducting, ensuring John’s dream continued. In 2000, the band welcomed Dan Gilliam Jr. as its permanent conductor. That same year, to honor its founder, the band proudly renamed itself the John Walter Cape Community Band.
Under the leadership of retired high school conductor Chris Arots, the band continued to grow, performing across Cape May, Ocean, and Cumberland Counties.
In 2007, Richard “Dutch” Ludwig took the baton, bringing his love for big band music and a focus on excellence, attracting a new wave of talented musicians who thrived under his direction. Dutch was known for directing award-winning bands with the highest quality standards, and he brought that focus on quality to the John Walter Band. He has had a long and varied successful career as an educator, a band director, a professional trumpeter, a theater manager, as well as a continuing position as a Professional Music Adjudicator for the National Judges Association, a position that he held for over thirty years. For his outstanding leadership during his tenure, band members awarded him the title of Director Emeritus and Life Member.
Following Dutch’s tenure, Dr. John Curtis took over in 2014, leading the band through its largest growth period. Not only did they perform at traditional venues like the Cape May Bandstand, but they also expanded to new locations such as the Cape May County Zoo and Byrne Plaza in Wildwood.
In 2016, rehearsals became year-round at Lower Cape May Regional High School, and the band launched several community outreach programs under the guidance of then-President Bill Winter. Initiatives like the Play It Again program, scholarships, and food drives have had a lasting impact, encouraging students to join and make a difference in the local community.
Today, the band continues its legacy under the direction of Dominic Scalfaro, who took the reins in 2021. A seasoned trumpeter and educated musician, Scalfaro is an accomplished trumpet player having performed professionally in casinos, as well as jazz bands, big bands, orchestras, and wind ensembles.
The John Walter Cape Community Band is a volunteer-based group of musicians of all ages and skill levels, united by their shared love of music. With performances ranging from marches to Broadway tunes, contemporary hits and jazz, the band offers something for everyone. Open to all without auditions, the band welcomes those who may not have played in years to reconnect with their musical roots.
As a proud 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the band is supported by grants from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Cape May County Board of County Commissioners through the Division of Culture & Heritage.
Join us as we continue to celebrate music, community, and the spirit of John Walter.