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Quabbin Community Band |
A Brief History
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A Brief History |
Summer Band concerts have been a tradition throughout much of New England for more than 100 years. The town of Barre built its first bandstand in 1859. It was located in North Park where the current Civil War monument now stands. Concerts were regularly given on this bandstand and were widely attended.
The current bandstand was built in 1931 in memory of Harding Allen, a moving community force of that time.
During the early years, the South Barre Brass Band, Barre Wool Brass Band and other musical groups performed weekly concerts free of charge to the public. These concerts were popular and well attended. Despite the rise of television and a more mobile society, these concerts have remained a weekly tradition.
The Quabbin Community Band started out many decades ago as the Barre Wool Brass Band conducted by Severino D'Annolfo, a local cobbler and musician who wrote several pieces including the Barre Common March, the American Legion Auxiliary March, Salute to the G.I., and Tranquil and Alert. It later became the Gilbertville Community Band, conducted by John H. Hansen. Shortly after the Quabbin Regional School District opened its doors the band took on its current name. In the 1980's, Beth Bryant took over as conductor and has continued the tradition of offering free weekly Band Concerts to the town of Barre.
The band's current membership is made up of over 50 musicians from Barre and surrounding communities. Members range in age from 10 years old to 80+ years young. Some members joined this year while others have been with the band for 20 years or more.
The Quabbin Community Band Auxiliary, Inc. has done much to ensure that the tradition of Band Music as an art form will continue to survive in the greater Quabbin Area. The Auxiliary is made up of band members, parents and friends and is open to anyone who would like to lend a hand in promoting music and the band in the area. Your participation and support is invited and welcome. Please contact Beth Bryant at eabryant@quabbin.k12.ma.us, phone: (978) 355-2151 or Julie Rawson at julie@mhof.net, (978) 355-2853 for more information or to become a member.