The Bandstand in Barre

The town of Barre built its first bandstand in 1859. It was located in North Park where the current Civil War monument now stands. Concerts were regularly given on this bandstand and were widely attended. The current bandstand was built in 1931 in memory of Harding Allen, a moving community force of that time.

QCB History

Severino D’Annolfo

The Quabbin Community Band started out many decades ago as the Barre Wool Brass Band conducted by Severino D’Annolfo, a local cobbler and musician who wrote several pieces including the Barre Common March, the American Legion Auxiliary March, Salute to the G.I., and Tranquil and Alert. It later became the Gilbertville Community Band, conducted by John H. Hansen. Shortly after the Quabbin Regional School District opened its doors the band took on its current name. In the 1980’s, Beth Bryant took over as conductor and has conducted into 2006. Peter Lewis, in 2006, became director and will continue the tradition of the band offering free weekly concerts in the town of Barre.

South Barre Brass Band

During the early years, the South Barre Brass Band, Barre Wool Brass Band and other musical groups performed weekly concerts free of charge to the public. These concerts were popular and well attended. Despite the rise of television and a more mobile society, these concerts have remained a weekly tradition.