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| The American Legion Band of the Tonawandas, circa 1930 |
Band of the Tonawandas
Band History
Band History
The American Legion Band of the Tonawandas was originally organized in 1929 by a group of American Legion members from Post 264. These original members ran numerous fundraising activities, then eventually purchased required band instruments from McClellan Music Company of Buffalo, NY. By the mid 1930's, the Post 264 "Sons of the Legion" Band was winning State competitions year after year.
Following a break during World War II, the Band expanded due to the eligibility of returning veterans. In 1947, the Band won its first American Legion State Band Championship in Niagara Falls, and in 1949 the Band entered the National American Legion Band Competition in Philadelphia, winning 4th place.
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| The Band on parade in Chicago, 1939 |
In 1968, after almost two decades away from competition, the Band entered and won 1st place in the Canadian National Exhibition, then repeated that feat for the next three years. Finally, 23 years after entering its first National American Legion Band Competition, the Band went to the 1972 National Competition in Chicago and won 1st place.
Prior to 1974, the Band had only admitted men as "official" band members; women were strictly limited to support roles. In 1974 women were officially admitted as Band members. With this new influx of talent, the Band repeated as Canadian National Exhibition champions in 1974, 1977, and 1978.
After a six-year absence from competition, the Band attended the 1986 National American Legion Band Competition in Cincinnati and again won the National Championship title. Since then, the Band has won 12 more National Championship titles. In 1992 the Band traveled to Australia to compete in the International Music Festival at the famed Sydney Opera House, winning a gold medal.
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| The Band, 1959 |
2004 was the 75th anniversary of the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas. The year started with a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City (drawing three standing ovations) and finished with another National Championship title.
In both 2006 and 2008, the Band defended their National Championship title at the National American Legion Band Competition, again winning top honors. The Band has performed regionally at the Chautauqua Performing Arts Institute and the Reg Lenna Civic Center, and continues with concerts at many local town parks as well as the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda and the Palace Theatre in Lockport.
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| The Band performing in Carnegie Hall, NYC, 2004 |
...back to "About the Band"
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