The Batavia Concert Band’s 86th anniversary season of music-making and free public concerts begins tonight at 7 in Batavia’s Centennial Park.
Additional concerts and parades will feature the band at other locations and times, including Batavia’s popular July 4 Picnic in the Park at Trigon Park in Le Roy.
The Batavia Concert Band’s repertoire is wide-ranging in origin, period and style: Sousa-style marches, Broadway show tunes, classical adaptations, fun songs for kids of all ages, big-band and swing numbers, popular songs from hit musicals and movies, rock favorites arranged for concert band -- and everything in between.
The band consists of 40 to 60 or so brass, woodwind and percussion players ranging from talented local high school students to 60-year veterans. Many have professional experience, and the rest are advanced amateur musicians. All love to play.
The conductor’s podium will be shared this season by veterans Wayne Burlison, Jane Haggett, Phil Briatico, Brad Meholick, Bob Pastecki and Keven McLaud. Derek Reiss and Dizzy again cap this year’s Concerts in the Park on Aug. 11, as a benefit fundraiser for the Batavia Concert Band.
Founded in the early 1920s, the Batavia Concert Band has brought musical pleasure to the region every year except during WWII. It currently enjoys financial support from GO-ART!, concert sponsors, program advertisers and individual patrons.
The band also sponsors a “Taste of Western New York” gift-certificate raffle from selected area restaurants, 50-50 raffles at every concert, bake sales and other low-key fundraisers.
Regular season concerts are at 7:00pm, Wednesdays, in Centennial Park (in case of rain, in the Genesee County Nursing Home).
All concerts are free to the public of all ages. Light refreshments are usually available. Bring the family, some friends, lawn chairs or a blanket… and enjoy!
