Clark John Hamman, 73, of Bethlehem and formerly of Hellertown, died May 7, 2024 at Hidden Meadows on the Ridge, West Rockhill Township. Born in West Rockhill Township, he was a son of the late Kenneth R. and Ruth A. (Trumbore) Hamman.

He attended Upper Perkiomen School District, where he learned to play the tuba in eighth grade and was selected to the high school’s District, County and State bands. He was a Wilkes College graduate.

He taught first at Shickshinney School District. He was in 1972 the first assistant band director of the Grenadier Band at Liberty HS and then at Freedom H.S. He was a Bethlehem Area School District instrumental music teacher for 35 years until he retired. While at Spring Garden ES, he personally bought used instruments and fixed them so students would have an opportunity to play an instrument. He believed that he and his colleagues in the elementary schools were the foundation for the future of Bethlehem schools’ music departments. He specialized in low brass instruments. He judged a marching band on how many sousaphones they had. His family had five tuba players.

“CJ” directed the Lehigh University Marching Band 97 from 1978 to 1989. He was instrumental in relocating the band hall to Rauch Fieldhouse after Taylor Stadium closed.

He played tuba for 55 years with The Allentown Band. He filled in at many local concert and jazz bands, playing a variety of instruments.

He was a volunteer coach and equipment manager for the Hellertown-Lower Saucon Little League.

He is survived by two sons, Chadd A. (Stephanie M.) Hamman of Hellertown and Cayle E. (Stephanie R.) Hamman of Sellersville; and four grandchildren, Caden P. Hamman, Ellie K. Hamman, Alaina R. Hamman and Drew O. Hamman.

Contributions may be made to Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, 56 S. Third St., Hamburg, PA 19526-1828, or by visitingpmea.net/give/

Arrangements were made by Connell Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem.