Our band started in 1990 with a discussion between the commander Eddy Mayo, Don Strange and Don Long, who were part of the Colorguard for Post 5 at the time. After finishing a parade in Keene, Mayo asked, “why couldn’t Post 5 have its own band? If you guys can make it happen, Post 5 will support you.” Bruce Corwin then said he would direct and Don Strange gathered musicians.
The band has played year-round since that time. We are the only American legion band in Vermont; the band has attended 4 national band competitions at American Legion conventions beginning in 2002 in Charlotte, NC – 3rd place finish; 2006 in Salt Lake City, UT – 2nd place finish; Followed by Baltimore, MD in 2015 and Minneapolis, MN in 2018 – 3rd place at both events.
Some Brattleboro Legion Band history in photos:
