When we arrived at St. Anthony’s Church on Saturday evening the air was full of voices and the sizzle and crackle of mini-firecrackers. The tent, pavilion, and Church were crowded with people and the band area and dance floor were roped off waiting for us to setup.
Our former trumpeter, Pat Putrello, was installing his stage lights around the area where the Band would be playing.
Our 39 member Band was all seated ready to begin playing with the audience gathered around us but we all had to wait for the Candlelight Procession and the Benediction to end before we could begin our concert.
When our Conductress, Arlene, signaled for our Concert-Master, Richard Pashley, to tune-up the Band, our most patient audience broke into applause! That was a first…we’ve never received an applause for tuning-up.
Once we played the three National Anthems; United States, Canadian, and Italian, the crowd exploded into one big cheer. They sang each classic song in Italian…they danced Tangos, Polkas, Fox Trots, and Waltzes…and they treated us royally.
Their buses arrived and it was sad to watch them slowly disperse. By the time we played our last Tarantella they were all but gone.
Everyone was back in full force on Sunday morning. The tables were piled with picnic baskets, flowers, fresh fruit, peppers, eggplant, greens, polenta, cheeses, and home-made wine.
The Band led a group of people (mostly Canadians), to a house near the Church to pick up 2 young boys dressed as the Sts. Cosma and Damian and escort them back to Church for Mass.
While waiting for Mass to end and the Procession to begin the Band members had time to enjoy eggplant sandwiches, sausage and peppers, or a late breakfast of pastries, coffee, and BEER!!.
Our former trumpeter, Pat Putrello, was installing his stage lights around the area where the Band would be playing.
Our 39 member Band was all seated ready to begin playing with the audience gathered around us but we all had to wait for the Candlelight Procession and the Benediction to end before we could begin our concert.
When our Conductress, Arlene, signaled for our Concert-Master, Richard Pashley, to tune-up the Band, our most patient audience broke into applause! That was a first…we’ve never received an applause for tuning-up.
Once we played the three National Anthems; United States, Canadian, and Italian, the crowd exploded into one big cheer. They sang each classic song in Italian…they danced Tangos, Polkas, Fox Trots, and Waltzes…and they treated us royally.Their buses arrived and it was sad to watch them slowly disperse. By the time we played our last Tarantella they were all but gone.
Everyone was back in full force on Sunday morning. The tables were piled with picnic baskets, flowers, fresh fruit, peppers, eggplant, greens, polenta, cheeses, and home-made wine.
The Band led a group of people (mostly Canadians), to a house near the Church to pick up 2 young boys dressed as the Sts. Cosma and Damian and escort them back to Church for Mass.
While waiting for Mass to end and the Procession to begin the Band members had time to enjoy eggplant sandwiches, sausage and peppers, or a late breakfast of pastries, coffee, and BEER!!.
We form two bands to accommodate the length of the Grand Procession….one plays in the front and one at the end. We were delighted to be joined by former band member from long ago – drummer Maurice Putrello.
This Feast is not just about the Canadian Pilgrims – it’s also about the Red Band members, many who are Parishioners of St. Anthony’s. Among then are the Galimes – Al and his children Mike, Julia, and Richard (when he’s in town) all play in the Band, and his wife Elaine can always be f
ound making Pizza Frite.
This Feast is not just about the Canadian Pilgrims – it’s also about the Red Band members, many who are Parishioners of St. Anthony’s. Among then are the Galimes – Al and his children Mike, Julia, and Richard (when he’s in town) all play in the Band, and his wife Elaine can always be f
ound making Pizza Frite. Along the Procession route we stop at houses that display the Portraits of the Saints and play Marcia Reale.
We also stop at specific street corners to greet and acknowledge the Families of long time Band members that have passed away. It has become a tradition that they stand there as the Band stops to play Marcia Reale in their honor.
When we return to the Church, musicians from the front re-united with the back band to play a rousing rendition of Bravura and then Marcia Reale as the Statues of the Saints are returned to the Altar in the Church. The Official conclusion of the Feast.
When we return to the Church, musicians from the front re-united with the back band to play a rousing rendition of Bravura and then Marcia Reale as the Statues of the Saints are returned to the Altar in the Church. The Official conclusion of the Feast.
VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!!
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