Smyrna bandstand named in honor of longtime conductor
SMYRNA – Just as it has for the past 94 years, the Smyrna Citizens Band made its annual debut Monday night, getting another round of summertime concerts underway and this year, beginning the tradition with special recognition of one its most honorable members.
Before their annual kick-off performance, band members paid tribute to long-time Smyrna Citizens Band member and conductor Wilbur “Red” Raville for his commitment and influence to the program over the years. The bandstand above the Smyrna Public Library was decorated in old-time band member uniforms and the traditional patriotic decor for Monday’s opening performance, but focus was drawn to the podium’s latest signature piece: a new sign – designed by local artist Julian Button – unveiled by Town Trustee David Raimy, reading “The Wilbur ‘Red’ Raville Bandstand.”
“Everyone knows Red,” Raimy told the audience. “This is the 94th season of the Smyrna Citizens Band. It might surprise you that Red hasn’t been around all 94 seasons,” he joked. “Red’s retired from a lot of things and we’re really happy he decided to keep this.”
Raville, who’s been involved with the program for 50 years – and has played the role of band conductor for more than 20 years – was cheered on while the audience applauded, honked car horns and came together for a chorus of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”
“I’ve enjoyed this band so much,” Raville said, following the season’s first performance. “I don’t want to begin by using the word ‘reliable,’ but that’s what they’ve been. We have a lot of good musicians here ... It’s very important that you can count on members to show up every week.”
Raville went on with additional gratitude for the support he’s received from community members, the Smyrna town board and the efforts of fellow program coordinates for their work in ensuring the show runs smoothly from week to week.
“The bandstand should be named in honor of him,” explained band member and Smyrna Town Clerk Geraldine Day in an interview prior to the bandstand dedication. “Red has been our longest director. He selects the programs each week and he does all the thinking through of how the program is going to be ... He’s certainly done a lot for the band. Without him, we would be doing a lot more of the work ourselves,” she said.
The band will continue performances throughout the summer, taking the stage every Monday evening and winding down their concert series Aug. 6. The program is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the arts, which is administered through the Chenango County Council of the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state legislature.
The band is also making a special appearance for a 4th of July celebration from 3:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesday, at Paddleford Park in Sherburne.
Before their annual kick-off performance, band members paid tribute to long-time Smyrna Citizens Band member and conductor Wilbur “Red” Raville for his commitment and influence to the program over the years. The bandstand above the Smyrna Public Library was decorated in old-time band member uniforms and the traditional patriotic decor for Monday’s opening performance, but focus was drawn to the podium’s latest signature piece: a new sign – designed by local artist Julian Button – unveiled by Town Trustee David Raimy, reading “The Wilbur ‘Red’ Raville Bandstand.”
“Everyone knows Red,” Raimy told the audience. “This is the 94th season of the Smyrna Citizens Band. It might surprise you that Red hasn’t been around all 94 seasons,” he joked. “Red’s retired from a lot of things and we’re really happy he decided to keep this.”
Raville, who’s been involved with the program for 50 years – and has played the role of band conductor for more than 20 years – was cheered on while the audience applauded, honked car horns and came together for a chorus of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”
“I’ve enjoyed this band so much,” Raville said, following the season’s first performance. “I don’t want to begin by using the word ‘reliable,’ but that’s what they’ve been. We have a lot of good musicians here ... It’s very important that you can count on members to show up every week.”
Raville went on with additional gratitude for the support he’s received from community members, the Smyrna town board and the efforts of fellow program coordinates for their work in ensuring the show runs smoothly from week to week.
“The bandstand should be named in honor of him,” explained band member and Smyrna Town Clerk Geraldine Day in an interview prior to the bandstand dedication. “Red has been our longest director. He selects the programs each week and he does all the thinking through of how the program is going to be ... He’s certainly done a lot for the band. Without him, we would be doing a lot more of the work ourselves,” she said.
The band will continue performances throughout the summer, taking the stage every Monday evening and winding down their concert series Aug. 6. The program is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the arts, which is administered through the Chenango County Council of the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the state legislature.
The band is also making a special appearance for a 4th of July celebration from 3:30-5:30 p.m., Wednesday, at Paddleford Park in Sherburne.
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