Herbert R. Bunting Verified listing

Born in 1920, Herbert R. Bunting devoted his life to music—first as a young trumpeter in Coraopolis, then as a wartime bandsman with the 99th Infantry Division, and later as a teacher who helped shape generations of students in Pittsburgh.

Early life and education
Herbert grew up in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, where music became more than a hobby, it became a calling. He earned his B.S. in Music Education from Duquesne University, laying the foundation for a lifetime of performance and teaching.

In 1942, he married fellow Coraopolis native Wanda McBride.

World War II service — The 99th Infantry Division Band
During World War II, Herbert served 38 months with the U.S. Army’s 99th Infantry Division Band, stationed in Germany. As a trumpet player and Staff Sergeant. (We are currently trying to find out more information about his service)

Building a postwar life
After the war, Herbert continued his studies and earned a Master’s in Fine Arts (classical piano) in 1948 from what was then Carnegie Tech.

Like many of his generation, Herbert and Wanda built a home and a family.

Educator and mentor in Pittsburgh
Herbert became a hard-working high school orchestral music teacher with Pittsburgh City Public Schools, retiring in the early 1970s. His teaching career included:

Avonworth High School — 7 years
Oliver High School — 13 years
Taylor Allderdice High School — 13 years
Including some years teaching AP English Literature
He also taught private music lessons, and in the early 1970s led Saturday afternoon instruction—composition, music history, and individual instrument classes—at the Pittsburgh Board of Education’s Center for the Musically Talented.