Waltham Legion Band Performs at Arlington's Patriots' Day Parade

The Waltham American Legion Band performed on Sunday, April 15, at the Patriots' Day Parade in Arlngton.

For those not familiar with Waltham American Legion Band (WALB) or for those interested in knowing more about the band or possibly joining:

We are looking for new members of all ages who enjoy playing music.  Here are some reasons you should join us:

• Toronto, Canada, Trip August 14^th-19^th
• New Uniforms
• Travel around the country
• Satisfies your community service hours
• Being involved in a reputable band
• Looks good on college applications
• Interact with other teen members  

Foreign travels for the band have included Ireland, England, and a famous parade through Red Square in Moscow with Dot at the helm.

The Waltham American Legion Band is a volunteer band, originally directed by Dot Hill, Larry Gilbo, Ed Russo, and now John O’Toole.  The membership consists of men and women who enjoy playing music together. The band plays 25 to 30 parades and 8 to 10 concerts annually throughout New England and the Greater Boston Area.  The band travels in its own bus from Waltham to the parade or concert site.   Uniforms, music, and stands are supplied, as well as percussion and sousaphones.   

Revenues from the parades and concerts support bands expenses, scholarships as well as the major cost of an annual trip, frequently to the American Legion Annual Convention.  At these conventions the band enters competition with other marching bands from throughout the country. Rehearsals are held at the Waltham American Legion Post 156, 215 Waverley Oaks Road, (Corner Route 60 and Beaver Street), Waltham, on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m.

New members of all ages are always welcome.

Most of our members have played in high school and college bands.   Auditions are not necessary.   You'll find you'll get up to speed quickly.  The Waltham Legion Post also hosts the Soft Touch Dance Band, an 18 piece "big band" specializing in music from the '40s and '50s.   The band was formed in 1980 by members of the Waltham American Legion Band and contributes its net proceeds to college scholarships.

Brief History of the Band

The Waltham American Legion Band was founded in 1946 by Dorothy (Dot) Slamin Hill and her husband Joseph F. Hill, for whom the Waltham Legion Post is named. Following her husband's death, Dot became the director of the band and served in that position until her retirement in 1996.  A champion baton-twirler in her high school days, Dot performed at the front of the band throughout her fifty years of service.  She and "her" band were famous throughout Massachusetts, New England, and most of the 50 states, including Hawaii. Dot passed away in September of 2004.

Waltham American Legion Band
215 Waverley Oaks Road
Waltham, Ma 04252
David Zablatsky
Phone: (617) 548-6208
E-mail: davidz625@gmail.com
www.walthamlegionband.org