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The Batavia Concert Band
A local wind-band made from over 50 brass, woodwind and percussion players ranging from talented high school students to 60-year musical veterans. Many have professional experience, others are advanced amateurs, but one thing is for sure – all love to play.
A true community affair
For the love of music
As diverse as the musicians are—our audience is even more so. The Batavia Concert Band is a local community music organization seeking to create music for the people, by the people. We are a community who gathers to celebrate free music "en plein air!"
Something for Everyone
And our repertoire has something for everyone: marches, big-band, swing numbers, pop numbers, showtunes, movies, rock favorites, classical adaptations, and everything in-between.
History of the Band
In 1924, when Angelo Colarusso arrived to form the Batavia Boys' Concert Band. Colarusso had earned medals and wide recognition in Europe and America as a conductor and baritone horn player. In those first Batavia boys-only bands, Colarusso was both conductor and instrumental instructor, for which he charged the proud boys’ families the princely sum of $3 per month.
As the boys matured the band reorganized as the American Legion Band. Edward Sullivan conducted until about 1933, followed by Angelo Zimmarino. The group "disbanded" during WWII and restarted in the late ‘40’s under the direction of Gordon Cox. Two members of the original boys' band, Daniel Martino and Joseph Puccio, continued to play with the band through the early 1980s.
To this day one of the Batavia Concert Band’s hallmarks – besides the fact that we have an equal number of men and women – is the wide span of players’ ages, which range from advanced high school players in their teens, to octogenarians who have enjoyed playing for 50, 60 or more years. We learn from each other, we all love to play, and we enjoy bringing quality live band music to the community.
Our Logo
Prior to our 90th anniversary in 2015, our logo looked a little different. The concept was a familiar one: an image of the band playing below Centennial Park's well-known treescape. But the overall shape of the icon was rounded at the top. And this we've come to know (from our late friend of the band, Bob Knipe {1947–2021}) was because "the logo had to fit on the bass drum!"
That same semi-circle/rainbow shape that we've come to know is now still present, but simplified. Our current logo is reminiscent of the setting sun on those warm summer nights enjoyed by all those who gather to listen. It could also be a theatrical half-note, sticking proudly into the soft lawn of Centennial Park, blasting an unforgettable jazz solo from its bell. But to others it may be a horizon, foreshadowing the opportunities that lie ahead.
Join the Group
Are you a talented musician ready to make music with us? Let us know what instrument you play in the "message" field below and our personnel manager will get in touch!