Noah Zeller

Noah Zeller was Waterloo County’s most famous self-made musician. His Mennonite parents, of Breslau, refused to allow him to play any instrument. However, he bought a violin which he hid and lowered from his bedroom window to practice in secret. In spite of parental feelings, he persevered with his musical studies and at eighteen developed an orchestra in Bridgeport. He taught music and was a cabinetmaker.

Zeller was a member of the Kitchener band from 1869 to 1875, as a clarinetist, and became leader in 1880. At different periods he was leader of either the Waterloo or the Kitchener band (at one time leading both) and brought them to a high state of perfection. He also led the St. Jacobs, New Hamburg and Baden bands and gave private lessons. In 1912, because of ill health, he resigned as leader of the Kitchener band, after twenty- three continuous years of service.