July 4th, 2009 - Parades and Concert

The Red Band's 4th of July activities start in Whitesboro. The Parade stepped off at 1pm with La Banda Rossa leading the line of march. By the time we played our first 5 marches - we were parading past the American Legion Honor Guard and onto the Village Green to prepare for a 2 hour concert.


Because of the threat of rain - we squeezed everyone into the Bandstand Gazebo. It stayed dry but the wind was strong (25mph) and the temperature never got above 67. Our audience made themselves comfortable in lawn chairs, jackets, sweaters, and even blankets. We played several patriotic songs and a medley of Gay 90's favorites entitled "Belle of the Ball". Whitesboro puts on a real old-fashioned 4th with bandstand, flags waving, great American music - they even serve popcorn, hot dogs, and apple pie.

We also gave a special salute to a couple that had been married on July 4th celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary - Mr. and Mrs. Cammarere, the parents of our Trombone player Mark, and grandparents of our percussionist, Rocco!
(The Red Band is all about family)

The Utica parade started at 6pm with BIG changes this year.The parade lined in the MVCC parking lot and took a long march down Sherman Drive and Culver Ave before finally reaching a small group of spectators which grew slightly larger at the Armory. The crowd gradually increased at the reviewing stand where the parade briefly stopped while we played the National Anthem. The greatest number of people was at the entrance to Proctor Park where Utica was having the Fireworks come nightfall. The city wanted to honor the 100th Anniversary of the Park by moving the celebration there this year.

VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!!

Please click on the links below for photos.
July 4th Parades and Concert

Photos of Whitesboro Concert taken by others