The band was originally formed in 1851 as the Burlington Cornet Band under the leadership of J.B. Holmberg composer of "U.V.M. Waltz", the piece you should now be hearing. Besides performing concerts in Battery park, the band also played on the steam ships of the day for cruises on Lake Champlain. A quote from the Burlington Daily Free Press, April 8th, 1856 states, "The Burlington Band is a good one, as good as any, not composed of professional musicians, can very well be, and if not quite equal to the Germania or Dodworth's, it is our own and we believe in the encouragement of home industry". Not entirely inspiring but it probably made this group of farmers and lumberers feel pretty good.

In 1869 the band was re-organized as the Queen City Cornet Band and later in 1873 as the Queen City Band under the leadership of Edward T. Paige. Under Paige the group played successfully for a couple of years until Paige was arrested on suspicion of embezzlement from the Burlington Railroad of which he was later acquitted.

Sherman's Military Band circa. 1882

In 1878 the dormant Queen City band became known as Sherman's Military Band under the baton of George Sherman who was a well known March composer of the late eighteen hundreds. Sherman retired as Music Director in 1917. The name was changed again to the Burlington Military Band and it was led from 1927 to 1957 by another well-know Burlington musician, Dr. Joseph Lechnyr. The band shell in Battery Park, where the band now performs, is dedicated to Dr. Lechnyr. After his death in 1958, the band went through a transition period with several directors.

In 1972 the band re-organized under new By Laws and the name was changed to the Burlington Concert Band. Now all major decisions regarding the operation of the band are made by the Board of Trustees. This Board is elected by the members.

After a few other conductors Linda Welch was hired for the position as musical director. She continued to lead the band exploring new music and styles until 1996. She was followed by Edward Boadway who was a local music teacher. He continued the traditions set forth by Ms. Welch until 1998 when Matthew Tatro was asked to succeed Mr. Boadway as conductor of the Burlington Concert Band. Mr. Tatro is a local music teacher and a member of the Vermont 40th Army Band. He has been a member of the Burlington Concert Band since 1990 and a long time local musician.

Burlington Concert Band circa. 1974, Marty McRae Director

Burlington Concert Band at Battery Park, Town Band Day July 22nd, 2000

The Band President is elected by the members and also serves as General Manager. He (she) is responsible for all routine decisions regarding the operation of the band and presides over the Board of Trustees. Ronald Tatro, a member since 1994, starts his second term as president this season. The band plays many types of music including marches, show tunes, novelties, classics, and often features soloists from the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and other fine groups. The band has just finished its 150th season of presenting concerts in Battery Park every Sunday evening and also does a few special performances each year.

The Burlington Concert Band now has an active membership of seventy musicians ranging from high school and college students to professional musicians from the Greater Burlington area.