February 5, 2026
In Memoriam
We Say Goodbye to a Local Music Legend
It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Bill Findeison. William “Bill” Findeison, co-founder and longtime bandleader of St. Petersburg’s Second Time Arounders Marching Band and Second Winds Symphonic Band, died Thursday. He was 84.
Our community is deeply saddened by this loss. Bill’s vision, leadership, and love of music created something truly special — a place where friendships were formed, confidence was rebuilt, and joy was found at every step and every note. His impact on the lives of so many people cannot be overstated.
A proud Florida State University alumnus, Bill devoted his life to music education and excellence. From his years as a Marching Chief and student leader at FSU to his distinguished career as a band director in St. Petersburg, Bill was the first band director for Lakewood High School from 1966 to 1978, and the former owner of Bringe Music. He inspired generations of musicians through school programs, community ensembles, and his work as an entrepreneur supporting music education.
Formed in 1983, Bill co-founded The Awesome Original Second Time Arounders — a marching and concert band composed of former high school and college band members ranging in age from 18 to 90. The Second Time Arounders became a national model for adult community bands, giving thousands of musicians the chance to make music for a lifetime. Bill directed the Second Time Arounders for 40 years, leaving a legacy that continues to thrive today.
We are profoundly grateful for the legacy he leaves behind and the countless memories he gave us. Bill will always be part of the St. Petersburg and Pinellas County music family, and his spirit will continue to march with us.
January 2024
Community
The St. Petersburg Community Band Thanks the Masonic Band
We are deeply grateful to the Masonic Band of St. Petersburg for their generous donation to our ensemble. Here is the message from Pat Carpenter, President of the Masonic Band:
Almost 4 years ago, COVID caused the Masonic Home of Saint Petersburg FL to close access to their building. This meant that the Masonic Band could no longer use their auditorium for rehearsals and concerts. The Masonic Home’s staff decided to not invite the band back to their facility. As a result, the band was dissolved.
The band donated their percussion instruments, music stands, and stand racks to the North Shore Elementary Public School next door. That left us with a music library and bank accounts. Now all that has been resolved. The Masonic Band board decided to disperse the remaining funds to two other local community bands whose members played with the Masonic Band. St. Pete Community Band is one of them.
In appreciation for the players who showed up faithfully on Friday evenings and the afternoons of the second Sunday of each month, the board makes this donation to the St. Petersburg Community Band.
“Spend it well, and rock on, band!”
— Pat Carpenter, President, Masonic Band of St. Petersburg
January 2024
Announcement
We Are Moving to a New Rehearsal Space
The band is moving to a new rehearsal space! Starting in January 2024, we will now be rehearsing at the Riviera United Methodist Church. Rehearsals remain on Monday evenings at 7:00 PM.
We would like to sincerely thank Allendale Methodist Church for their wonderful support and hospitality over the last 7 years.
New Rehearsal Location
Riviera United Methodist Church
175 62nd Ave N
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Mondays at 7:00 PM · September–May
Interested in joining us? Fill out our new member inquiry form →
Ongoing
Membership
New Members Welcome
We generally welcome instrumentalists without an audition, although there are some instruments we need more than others. Please let us know your chosen instrument(s), comfort level with sight-reading, number of years of experience, and your general availability for rehearsals and concerts.
We require that you attend two rehearsals before performing in a concert. Click here to fill out our new member inquiry form →
We do not charge a fee to join. The only cost to you will be the minimum requirement for our band shirt and your supplies. Click here to learn about our uniform requirements →