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The Leominster Colonial Band |
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Thanks to all who attended our 18th annual Christmas Concert in December. We appreciate your support. Watch this space for information about our 2008 concert as it becomes available in the Fall. THE STORY OF OUR CHRISTMAS CONCERT The Colonial Band went for many years as a "summer only" ensemble, but this changed in 1990. Steven Piermarini, then the band's assistant conductor, had thought about the idea of performing a Christmas seasonal concert, but with the obstacles of funding and an available venue, the idea never came to fruition. In September of that year, the band played for the Johnny Appleseed parade and after the parade, band member Frank Barba expressed a similar interest in having the band play at Christmas time. Frank's interest sparked action, and band manager John DeCicco soon secured both a site and funding to make the concert a reality, with the first one taking place on December 19, 1990. Sadly, Frank passed away only days after that parade and the concert was dedicated to his memory. The first two concerts were held at the Leominster Sheraton Hotel and Conference Center, and after that the concert was hosted for many years at the Italian-American Cultural Center on Lancaster Street. With the closing of that facility, the concert moved in 2003 to the Tata Auditorium at Leominster City Hall, where it continues today. Over the years, the concert has featured guest artists such as vocalists Rene Rancourt and Steve Marvin, and in 2006 it featured the premiere of the band's first commissioned piece, Sinfonia for Band, by composer Edward J. Madden. |