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The following story on the St. Johnsbury Band aired on "Morning Edition" and "All Things Considered" on Vermont
Public Radio on Monday, March 26, 2008 as part of their recognition of Memorial Day. Reporter Charlotte Albright
has put together a very nice piece on the band and some of its history with interviews from several long-time
members.
Click here to listen
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St. Johnsbury was one of many cities and towns across America that marked the tenth anniversary of 9/11 on Sunday,
September 11, 2011. An elaborate ceremony was held that included residents, firefighters, state and local police,
military officials, the St. Johnsbury Band, municipal officials, and members of area faith communities.
The St. Johnsbury Band played from the bays of the fire station as the fire trucks held an enormous American flag
high above the crowd on Main Street. The Band opened the ceremony with "The National Emblem" march by E. E. Bagley.
The Band then played "The Star Spangled Banner". Brief speeches by Town Manager Ralph Nelson, who was in Manhattan
during the attack, and Fire Chief Troy Ruggles followed. The fire department held an alarm-bell ceremony to remember
those lost.
Taps and the echo were performed by Band trumpet players David Askren and Bobby-Ann Fearon. The ceremony concluded
with a presentation from the local faith community, which lit remembrance candles to honor those who suffered and
died in the attack, sang a song for peace, and conducted a call-and-response with the participation of the crowd.
The St. Johnsbury Band received a heartfelt thank you letter from the fire department for their participation.
Click here to read the letter.
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The St. Johnsbury Band held its annual dinner and business meeting on October 26, 2012, at the South Congregational Church
in St. Johnsbury, VT. The evening started off with a social hour prior to the dinner. The potluck dinner
provided plenty of good, home-cooked food for everyone. The Band provided the main dish.
The business meeting was held after the dinner. Dianne Wyllie presented a summary of the minutes from last years meeting,
which were accepted without change. Peter Fichte presented the Treasurer's report which was also accepted. An update on the
Band's investments was presented by Scott Labun.
One Lifetime membership award was made. Lifetime membership is given only to band members who have enduring time and made
significant efforts to advance the goals of the St. Johnsbury Band.
The Lifetime membership award was given to Deanna Wheeler. Wheeler plays the flute and the piccolo for the Band. She joined the Band
over 40 years ago. Deanna also plays with the Lyndonville Military Band and has conducted that band for many summers. She also plays
with the Northeast Kingdom Community Orchestra.
One name was added to the Remembrance plaque. Charlie Priest was a long time member of the Band. He was also the choir director at the
Methodist Church in Woodsville, NH and sang with the North Country Chorus. He really enjoyed music and could "spruce the music up and
not just play the notes".
Complete lists of the St. Johnsbury Band member awards is available on the Members page.
There was a presentation of the historical materials that are currently kept in the Band's safe deposit box. There was also discussion about
the starting date for the 2013 summer concert season. Historically, the Bnad has always started on the first Monday following the St. Johnsbury
Academy graduation. Opting to continue with this tradition, the first summer concert for the 2013 season will be on June 10th.
The business meeting ended with the election of the slate of officers and board members. The current group of officers were
all returned to their current positions except for the assistant director position. Kirsten Harter, who also conducts the Lyndonville
Military Band, has taken over the assistant director position. Debi Smith was elected to the board as a trustee, replacing Richard Reed
whose term was over this year.
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Page last updated on November 21, 2012
