|
Salem
American Legion Band
Homepage | Start Page | Members | Calendar of Events
| Pictures The Salem American Legion Band is a friendly, community band
that enjoys playing patriotic and seasonal concerts throughout
Salem County. Members range in age from pre-teens to senior
citizens. Friendships and caring about one another are as
important to the group as the music performed. Ability levels
are on a scale from novice (or "I haven't played in years") to
professional. All players of band instruments are invited to
join the band and everyone is invited to participate by
listening.
 History of the
Salem American Legion Band
Founded in 1947 by
instrument playing servicemen returning from World War II, the
Harry P. Morrison Post #75 Band has played continuously for over
50 years. Original band members included George Freedman, Allen
Glaspey, Chal Hoffman, Merwin Horner, Glen Kiger, Victor
Robinson, and Joe Wentzell. Many of the members had previously
belonged to other community bands including the 12th Regiment
Band Some believe that the band’s origins can be traced back to
the first documented Salem community band formed in 1822.
The Legion Band originally wore surplus army khakis, helmet
liners, with belts and leggings painted white. The band was very
busy it’s first year with 28 appearances, including 9
competitions. In these competitions, the band earned 4 first
places, 3 second places and failed to place only 2 times. The
band spent a lot of time practicing their marching skills around
Market Street in Salem.
The band played for Governor Alfred Driscoll in 1948 and for
Vice-Resident nominee Richard Nixon in 1952. Other special
events included playing for the opening of the new Memorial
Hospital of Salem County in 1950 and the opening of Hancock’s
Bridge.
In 1953, they bought new uniforms with long brown jackets and
tan trousers, both trimmed with gold. The band wore it’s new
uniforms for the first time in the Salem Memorial Day parade in
a steady rain. The highlight of 1953 was leading the Miss
America Parade in Atlantic City where they marched with 48
musicians, a 7 member color guard, drum major and conductor.
Conductors have included Hugh Morrison, Thomas H. Bowen, Bill
Vanneman, and Wallace Erhardt.
Over the years, the membership expanded to include women and the
band stopped marching as it’s members grew older. The band has
practiced at many locations including the Legion Post, Flowers
by Ford, Hoffman’s Shoe Store and the Salem High School. It’s
current home is Memorial Baptist Church in Salem under the
direction of Pat Bullock.
In 1990, the City of Salem honored the Legion Band by naming it
"Citizen of the Year". Chal Hoffman is the only surviving
original member of the band. Members range in age from 12 to 86
years old. The band practices almost every Tuesday night and
plays at nursing homes, churches and other special events in
addition to it’s regular concerts.
Band Officers
President -
Challis Hoffman | Vice
President - Howard Davis |
Secretary - Dorothy Robinson |
Treasurer - Hazel Davis
Librarians - Howard and Virginia Davis
Homepage | Start Page | Members | Calendar of Events
| Pictures
|
