Seventy Years of Music in Ithaca

In November 1933, Edwin Payton was appointed Corps Officer in Ithaca, New York. One of his accomplishments during this appointment was the establishment of a corps band. This year, the Ithaca Corps Band celebrates 70 years of continuous service. As with many Salvation Army corps bands, families have played an important part in the life of the ensemble, with several generations of the Payton family, including Ben Payton, the current bandmaster, having served in various roles.

According to Colonel Frank Payton (R), the son of the band's founder, the West family has also played a critical role in keeping the band going. Brigadier Arthur West led the band from 1960 until his death in the 1980s, and his son, Chuck West, is now a member of the group.

The band is trying to contact former members for a reunion celebration on the first weekend in November.

Source:
Good News (September 2004)

Posted by Webmaster 13 October 2004 09:12:35