submitted by Bill Gaillard
The Hoosick Falls Community Band under the direction of Bill Gaillard will present its 32nd annual Christmas Concert on December 17, at 7:30 pm at the First United Presbyterian Church in Hoosick Falls.
The Community Band is a continuation of the VanSurdam Military Band established in 1873 by Henderson S. VanSurdam. The original name of the band was removed at the request of the VanSurdam family in 1970, and the band was renamed with many of the original members. Bill Gaillard became conductor under the managerial time of Fred Quackenbush.
The Christmas Concerts were started by Rev. Robert Sprunger who was the pastor of the First United Presbyterian Church at the time and also a clarinet player with the band.
The Community Band is known for its summer concerts in Wood Park, its support of the Flag Day ceremony, its marching in the Memorial Day Parade and recently doing a concert at the Waubeeka Golf Course. The brass section also performs at the tree lighting and provides music in the Village prior to the Christmas Holiday.
Selections on this season’s program include “Blue Christmas, “White Christmas,” “Do You Hear What I Hear,” “O Holy Night,” selections from Handel’s Messiah, “I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day” and “The Christmas Song.”
Our own “God Bless America” soloist Judy Hoag will lead us in what has become almost a second National Anthem.
The program will include an audience participation sing-a-long of popular carols.
A reception will follow the concert, and all are invited to a concert provided by our home town band.