History of the Bands

In 1884, a band was organized consisting of the remaining members of the Clapp band and others, under the leadership of Mr. George Maxfield. In December, 1885 another band was organized by Fred W. Bridges, which later became the Citizens Corps Band. After Bridges left, J.J. Wilkins took over the group. In October, 1892 Mr. Ned Clapp returned to Gloversville and organized the Gloversville Military Band, which absorbed the old band in the spring of 1893. Once more, Mr. Clapp established a wonderful record as a concert band. Sadly, again he left at the end of the summer of 1893 and returned to Pittsfield.

The difficulties of keeping a band together were enormous. During the summer of 1897 a few men solicited businesses for assistance in providing a rehearsal space and uniforms. They were able to secure a Musicians’ Room in Hotel Elk on Fremont Street with a full set of uniforms. Mr. A.C. Fleming was elected leader and conductor and in May, 1899, they joined the Concordia Club and moved the headquarters to their club house on West Fulton Street.

On October 29, 1898, Mr. E.J. Lucas was elected leader and manager. The Gloversville Military Band rehearsed there weekly for the next 5 years. On January 14, 1904, Mr. Lucas resigned and turned the baton over to Mr. W.H.L Jenner, who conducted the group for the next 4 years. In July 1908, Mr. Jenner resigned to take over the leadership of the Johnstown NY band and Mr. F. J. Batty was elected to take his place. Mr. Batty continued to lead the Gloversville Band for 30 years. He felt that community bands were an integral part of the community and felt that the group should receive community and financial support. The Batty family was very involved in music, particularly in Gloversville. The names of Stan Batty, Syd Batty and Orville Batty are familiar in Gloversville’s musical history. Stan Batty, son of F.J. Batty conducted the band well into the 1970s when Milton Brookins took the baton. Both of his sons were also members of the organization. When Milt Brookins retired, Norm Clo, long-time band director at Gloversville High School directed the band until his retirement in 2011. Josh Thompson was named Associate Conductor and Tom Gerbino was named Principal Conductor in 2011. Tom Gerbino continues to conduct the Gloversville Civic Band to this day.

Both Gloversville and Johnstown have rich histories of music in their communities. Music is something that spans generations and is timeless…both old and young love listening and playing in such wonderful groups. Summertime is a perfect season to enjoy the sounds….why don’t you join us on a Wednesday and/or Friday evening when we play in 2023? The concerts are FREE, too!! We would love to have you as a part of our audience. Remember to bring your chairs!

Bill Trojan, Photographer/Owner of WATPHOTO, has been photographing both bands for years, and his wife, Ann, who is a music teacher, is also a member of both bands. Bill also live streams the concerts for all to enjoy, Check out both groups on their FACEBOOK pages for more information and photos from the summer concerts.