Amanda Smith receives 2018 Irving and Kathryn Hall Award

Amanda Smith, of Waverly, N.Y, received the 2018 Irving and Kathryn Hall Award at the Kirby Band’s annual dinner meeting held recently at Donoli’s in Apalachin. Helene Rouse, recipient of the 2017 Hall Award, presented the award. In addition to the honor and a special pin designed by a Candor, N.Y. artist, Mrs. Smith will have her name added to the Hall Award plaque.

The prestigious Irving and Kathryn Hall Award has been given annually since 1984 to the band member or support member who has contributed the most to the band during the past season. Smith, a Kirby Band member who plays French horn, has been a Kirby Band member since 2013 and was named Co- Conductor of the Kirby Band in 2018.

The award is named for the late Irving and Kathryn Hall of Nichols, who provided rehearsal space for many years for the Kirby Band at the Hallwares Building in Nichols and supported the arts. Pat Ronsvalle, daughter of Irving and Kathryn Hall, attended the banquet. 

The Kirby Band, based in Nichols, NY, is the second oldest community band in the United States.

Helene Rouse also presented Exemplar Awards to several band members for outstanding service to the Kirby Band. Those receiving Exemplar Awards included Seth Edsell, Mike Worden, and Lori Holdridge.

President Jon Allen conducted the annual business meeting. Sandra Ridley read the minutes of the annual meeting. Dave Barton, treasurer, gave the financial report.

Debbie Parmalee gave the Business Manager’s report. She reviewed the 2018 season, which included Memorial Day parades in the Elmira area, a concert at Hickories Park in Owego, as well as parades and concerts throughout the Twin Tiers. The band also performed in August at its Monday night concerts at Kirby Park in Nichols.  

The Kirby Band concluded the 2018 season with concerts at the Athens United Methodist Church and Tinsel ‘n Lights. With these two last performances the band performed ten concerts and ten parades for the 2018 season. 

Band Director Don Van Scoy reported that the 2018 season was one of the best concert seasons the band has had. He stated that the band has continually improved over the past six or seven years. He thanked the band members for their hard work. Van Scoy added that he has received positive comments from audiences following concerts. 

The following slate of officers was elected unanimously by the band members: Jon Allen, president; Janine Callear, vice-president; Sandra Carlin, secretary; Dave Barton, treasurer; and Sandra Ridley, business manager. 

In addition, the following board members at large were elected: Gary Kauppinen, Judy Kauppinen, Sherry Spencer, Debbie Parmalee, Don Van Scoy, Amanda Smith, and Scott Ridley. 

Smith and Baker, comprised of Amanda Smith and Kevin Baker, provided entertainment for the evening. Joshua Wickham provided guitar music prior to the banquet.

The Nichols-based Kirby Band is comprised of volunteer musicians from all walks of life from throughout the Twin Tiers. The director of the Kirby Band is Don VanScoy with Amanda Smith as co-conductor. 

The Kirby Band rehearses Monday evenings at 7 p.m. at the former Asbury Church on River Road in Nichols. The band invites area musicians to attend its Monday evening rehearsals, which will resume on Jan. 28. No auditions are required. A dance band, “Ain’t Misbehavin,’” is also part of the Kirby Band.  

For directions to the Asbury Church or for further information on rehearsals, persons should contact Jon Allen at (570) 886-0229, Janine Callear at (570) 888-6092, or Don Van Scoy at (607) 687-2718. 

To book a performance of the Kirby Band or “Ain’t Misbehavin’” for the 2019 season, contact Sandra Ridley, business manager, at (607) 342-6340 or by email to kirbyband1876@yahoo.com.

The Kirby Band is supported, in part, with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts’ Decentralization Program administered by the ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes.

For more information about the Kirby Band or “Ain’t Misbehavin’”, contact Sandra Ridley at (607) 342-6340, Jon Allen at (570) 886-0229, or Janine Callear at (570) 888-6092. You can also visit the Kirby Band website, www.kirbyband.com.