As the two musicians walked back to the dance job, they discussed the chances of starting a successful band. There were many musicians in the Kittanning area who had wide experience in the local high school band as well as college and service musical organizations but who no longer had an opportunity to play they instruments. Back at the American Legion club, McGann and Suckling thought of former musicians in the area who could form the nucleus of a band. By the time the dance job was completed, the list contained 28 names. The next morning the two contacted each of the musicians individually to see if they would be interested in playing in a marching band. All 28 agreed to give it a try. That same afternoon McGann went to No. 4 fire hall to inquire about a sponsor for the proposed band. He learned from a fireman that the "1-4-6 committee" composed of three members of hose companies No. 1, 4, and 6 had scheduled a regular meeting for Tuesday night. The fireman suggested that Bill attend it. The next night the two attended a practice session of the Kittanning High School Boys Band and alumni musicians preparing for a joint concert under the direction of KHS band director James V. Colonna. Colonna's son, Enrico, was playing with the group and was asked if he would be interested in directing the new band, since he had experience in leading the New Bethlehem community band. Enrico accepted.

The three men attended the 1-4-6 committee meeting at Hose Co. No. 6 the following night. They told the committee members that they thought they had a band, but lacked a sponsor. They explained that 28 musicians had agreed to try to form a band and that Enrico would direct the organization. The committee agreed to give the organization $20 to buy music. When asked how soon the band could be ready to accompany the firemen in parades, the trio said they felt it could be ready for public showing in time for the Dayton Fair, late in August. The new musical organization held its first practice at Hose Co. No. 1 in the first week of July. Through the cooperation of Kittanning High School officials and Mr. Colonna, the band was able to secure use of some of the bigger instruments for practice sessions. Subsequent practices were held in the high school auditorium and at the three fire companies.

The problem of parade attire soon arose. It was agreed that khaki outfits would be comfortable, cheap, and easily acquired through Army surplus outlets. The band also secured surplus helmet liners. They were plain white and bore no insignia. Leggings and belts were not added to the attire until the following season. Jim Wyant, who had played in a band while serving in the United States Marine Corps agreed to lead the band during parades and marching drills. In late July a group of firemen asked Enrico if the band members were ready to make a public appearance. The director said he felt they were.

Officials of the 1-4-6 committee then contacted sponsors of the Clearfield parade and asked them if the band could compete in the march. The firemen had already accepted an invitation to march in the parade. On August 2nd, 1949, the Kittanning Firemen's Band made a "sneak preview" appearance at the Clearfield event. The neophyte musical organization, competing with just 22 men, captured second prize. The band took first prize at the Dayton Fair, the only other competition that year.