Our History
1894
Founding of the Wakefield Concert Band
The Wakefield Concert Band was established in 1894 in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, as a community ensemble dedicated to bringing live music to local residents. Starting with humble beginnings, the band quickly became a staple in the region, performing traditional marches and classical pieces at community events and gatherings. Over the years, it has evolved to include a mix of professional and serious amateur musicians from Rhode Island and nearby Connecticut, fostering a passion for music across generations.
In 1878 the Peace Dale Mills erected the first Bandstand for the community in and around the Village of Peace Dale. Since then the Band, its Band Directors, and Band Rosters have evolved over the past 13l years. These names and people have been compiled since its beginning.
Previous Band Names: Roger Williams Band (1878-1893); Carpenter’s Band, Wakefield Band, Citizens Band (1894-1908); Acme Band, Wakefield Military Band (1908); Peace Dale Cornet Band (1920); Wakefield Band (1928); Wakefield Civic Band (1985-2009); and Wakefield Concert Band
(2009 to the Present).
2000
Leadership Under Barry Lieberman
Around the turn of the millennium, Barry Lieberman took the helm as conductor, leading the band for 15 years. During this period, the band expanded its repertoire to encompass a diverse range of styles, including jazz, pop, and contemporary arrangements alongside traditional marches. This era marked significant growth, with the band solidifying its role as South Kingstown’s hometown ensemble and beginning traditions like annual benefit concerts to support the community.
2015
New Conductor Stephen Toro Joins
In October 2015, Stephen Toro became the band’s conductor, bringing fresh energy and expertise from his role as a band teacher at Moses Brown School. Under his direction, the band continued to thrive, emphasizing community engagement and musical excellence. Toro’s leadership has focused on blending classic and modern selections, ensuring the band’s performances remain vibrant and accessible to all audiences.
2025
Over 130 Years of Musical Tradition
As we celebrate over 130 years since our founding, the Wakefield Concert Band remains a thriving community treasure. With ongoing rehearsals, seasonal concerts, and a commitment to musical diversity—from classical overtures to pop medleys—the band continues to grow, welcoming new members and delighting audiences throughout Rhode Island. Our history is a testament to the enduring power of music in building community bonds.
Back in the Day
Band Rosters
1894-1908
Wakefield Civic Band
Director: George Northup; solo clarinet and Assistant Director Louis Stedman; Ist clarinet: Ray Northup and Arthur Stedman; 2nd clarinet: Charles Cook; E-flat clarinet: Orin Gardiner; solo cornet:
Charles Wright and Edwin Northup; Ist cornet: Isaac and D.
Frank Holland; altos: Ray Northup and John Carpenter; trombone:
Charles Cummings, George Holland and G. Fred Fraser; baritone:
Herbert Champlin; tuba: Paul Dixon; drums: Fred Brown and Stanley Hammond; and cymbals: Henry Clarke.
1928
The Wakefield Band
Director: T. Clarke Brown; flute and piccolo: John Maines; clarinet: Joseph Roy, Romello Signorelli, William Richmond, Peter Lucier, Edward Dockray, William Webster, Howard Vars and Virgil Yemma; saxophone: Norris Tucker; cornet: G. Edward Maines, Hobart Caswell, Roger Thomas, Antimo DiBiasio, William Northup and Russell Potter; altos: Harry Clarke and Crawford Hart; trombone: Frank Whittier, Luke Purcella and Tom Bell; baritone: Leslie Dawley and Harold Bosworth; tuba: Paul Dixon, William Dillman and Harold Barber, drums: Edwin Jones and Gilbert Prouty.
1985-2005
The Wakefield Civic Band
Directors: David Price (1985-1996), Toni Wrigley (1996-2000), Barry Lieberman (2000-2009); flute: Lee Ferrera, Barbara Bradley, Barbara Wunderler-Selby, Linda Knisley, Stephanie Price, Debbie Kiefer and Marjorie Nozzi; clarinet: Fred Basso, Bruce Laferriere, Domenic Mainelli, Crissy Mesroblan, Larry Rothstein, Steve Hiss, Steve Brown, Richard J. Lafond, Sr., Elaine Shanley, Cindy Field, Frank DeLuise, Stacey Snow, bass clarinet: Roy Clark, Amy DiStasio, Tom Maines, Joanna Price; saxophone: Rebecca Niemi, Robert Grow, Laura Cary, Malin Gibbs, Richard Calabro, Richard J. Lafond, Sr., David Stephenson, Brian Becote, Debbie Guerrette, Rick Sabourin, Mike Chappell and Jay Swoboda, Mark Moffett; trumpet: Eric Willis, Tom Galligan, Ed Miguel, Randy Miller, Doreen Snow, Joe Miller, Alex Patton and Aaron Clark; French horn:
Kevin Travor, Heather Osborne, Donna Knott, and Bob Knott; trombone: Paschal Viglionese, Hope Benn, Yngve Ramstad, Harvey Fugere, David Cherlin, Bevin Mitchell, Roy Kiefer, Jan DeNijs and George ( Bucky) Wildes; baritone: Bill Edwards and Art Guarino; tuba:
Keith Garrison, Nathan Lauder, Len Jones, Ray Vallee; percussion: Helen Farrell Allen, Warren Hagist, Helen Gersuny and Clancy Mahen.
