The Colonie Town Band carries on the long tradition of community bands in the United States. For more than 175 years, various civic bands have provided entertainment to the communities in which they live. As a matter of fact, the Band is a member of the Association of Concert Bands, an organization that encourages and fosters adult concert community, municipal, and civic bands.
Malcolm (Mal) Pappin was the first director of the Colonie Town Band. In 1964 he was the music supervisor for the North Colonie School District. Mal had been a member of the Albany Symphony (trumpet), Chairman of the NY State Teachers’ Association and on many committees including Suburban Scholastic Council of Music, and the International Music Educator’s Conference. He has published songs and works for jazz, orchestra and chorus.
Sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department of the Town of Colonie, New York, the Band performs more than 20 concerts a year free of charge at community venues including nursing homes, town parks, shopping malls, museums, county fairs, schools, and many other events. The repertoire includes marches, show tunes, classical pieces, and popular favorites.
A portion of the donations received for performances are used to fund the Frank Mooney Memorial Prize, an award benefiting a Colonie High School graduating senior.
Membership in the band is open to all. While auditions are not required and new members are always welcome, it’s important to first contact the band before joining.
Members must provide their own instruments (except for percussionists) and music stands. We are a relaxed group but members are expected to exercise good band practices, including regular attendance, punctuality, limited talking during concerts and rehearsals, and observance of the conductor’s directions.
Beltrone Living Center concert.
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