Widmann gained directing experience as assistant band director for North Allegheny High School in Pittsburgh. He accompanied the 300-member band to its 1993 performance in the Orange Bowl Parade in Miami, and was on hand for several of the group's appearances at Pittsburgh Steelers football games.
Widmann said the North High position is the biggest directing job he has held.
North High's band had a distinguished record under Kunkle.
"It's a very outstanding organization. I'm ready," said Widmann.
Kunkle, who had been a local band director for 31 years, did not return to school this year, but school officials would not say why. Kunkle, 53, would say only that he left for "personal reasons."
Band members have expressed concern about the future of the band without Kunkle, and about whether the band's participation in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year was contingent on Kunkle being director.
Widmann said he was unaware of any requirement that Kunkle be director in order for the band to march in the parade.
Widmann, 27, said the band has been practicing for the performance and "we are planning to go."
Widmann said he learned Monday that he had been chosen for the North High post. The Washington County Board of Education will vote on the appointment on Oct. 7, officials said.
A music teacher at E. Russell Hicks Middle School has been selected as the new band director at North Hagerstown High School, school officials said Wednesday.
