Remember when family entertainment was participatory? The family was together… physically, not “virtually?” No TV, no cable, no internet, no cell phones, no texting, no IMing, no MP3 players, no Facebook or Twitter? When LIVE music was the center of community entertainment, celebration and leisure time?

Such was Batavia New York 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 an appreciative audience.

The Band's goal - free concerts for the public in an outdoor, family-oriented atmosphere - remains unchanged from its beginning. From WWII into the 90's the City of Batavia was the sole financial support, and continues to assist as it is able, along with GO/ART, concert sponsors, service organizations, advertisers - and generous patrons like you who are listed elsewhere in this program.

We hope you continue to enjoy and support your Batavia Concert Band, bring your family and invite your friends.