by Bea Peterson
The Hoosick Falls Community Band played its final concert of the season Wednesday evening. At the start of the eight week concert series July 4 the sun was setting as the concert ended. Wednesday night, August 22, the sun was setting as the concert began.
There were two significant events during this concert. One was the presentation of a plaque and memorabilia to Walter Dunham. He joined the Van Surdam Band in 1947 and has played with it, under its various names, until Wednesday night. For 65 years he has been an influential member. The Band and the crowd gave him a standing ovation. He thanked everyone and said he hopes the Band and its concerts go on for many years. He noted that his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were out there running around while the concert was going on. He said the Town is fortunate to have such a Band.
The other event was the introduction of Renee Hatch by Band Leader Bill Gaillard. Hatch plays trumpet and has a Bachelor’s degree in Music. Gaillard is grooming her to take on more of the conducting. She conducted one song. Her first assignment went very well.