May 23, 2012
The Batavia Concert Band’s 88th season of music-making and free public concerts begins June 20 in Centennial Park. Additional concerts and parades will feature the band at other locations and times including the ever popular July 4 Picnic In The Park.
The Batavia Concert Band’s repertoire is wide-ranging in origin, period and style: marches, Big Band and swing numbers, popular songs from musicals and movies, classical adaptations, rock favorites arranged for band, fun songs for kids of all ages … and everything in between.
The band consists of about 50 brass, woodwind and percussion players ranging from talented local high school students to 60-year veterans. Many have professional experience; the rest are advanced amateur musicians. All love to play.
The conductor’s podium will be shared by a team of Batavia Concert Band conducting veterans, to be announced. Derek Reiss and Dizzy will again cap this year’s Concerts in the Park on Aug. 8 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. The band currently enjoys financial support from GO-ART!, concert sponsors, program advertisers, and individual patrons. The band also sponsors a “Sample of Western New York” gift certificate raffle from selected area restaurants and retailers, 50-50 raffles at every concert, bake sales and other low-key fundraisers.
Downbeat for regular season concerts is 7 Wednesday evenings in Centennial Park in the City of Batavia.
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!
Info contact: Bob Knipe, bobknipe@hotmail.com, 343-5991 / 590-6457 (cell)
Batavia Concert Band
Summer 2012 concert season
Date/Time Conductor
June 20 -- 7 p.m.* -- Brad Meholick
June 27 -- 7 p.m.* -- Wayne Burlison
July 4 -- 12 noon -- Phil Briatico
July 11 -- 7 p.m.* -- Jane Haggett
July 18 -- 7 p.m.* -- Phil Briatico
July 25 -- 7 p.m.* -- Wayne Burlison
Aug. 1 -- 7 p.m.* -- Jane Haggett
Aug. 8 -- 7 p.m.* -- Derek Reiss & Dizzy
(*In the event of rain, concerts will move to Genesee Community College's Stuart Steiner Theatre. Notices will be posted at the NW corner of Centennial Park and announced on WBTA radio AM1490, and http://TheBatavian.com.)
