History of the Mexico Brass

Photo of the 1908 Brass Band from Mexico, NY

Different Photo of the Same 1908 Brass Band from Mexico, NY

The first three paragraphs below are an extract from an article written by Kelly Freihofer and published in the weekly newspaper, the Independent Mirror, on January 30, 2009. This article extract is reproduced with permission from both the author and publisher.

Brass bands have a long tradition in Mexico.  The Mexico Brass Band was formed just over one year ago in 2007. Twelve members strong, sometimes more, this band has filled churches, private businesses, the Everson Museum in Syracuse, and the open air again and again with the strong and sure sound of a full brass band. One hundred years ago there was a different brass band in Mexico, but likely they performed for the same reasons; the love of music and the joy of sharing it with others.

The earliest records of a community brass band in Mexico show the year to be 1868, and the group was called the Martial Band. By 1888, Edward Parker was ready to reorganize this brass band and it was renamed the Silver Cornet Band. Parker served as the leader of this band for 20 years and was the leader when the 1908 photo was taken in Mexico.

After Parker, three leaders covered the next 11 years, until the band was reorganized in 1919 as the Chamber of Commerce Band. In 1925, the brass band became the American Legion Band and in the 1940s, it was the Mexico Merchant Band. World War II brought the brass band concerts to a stop in Mexico. Now, in the early part of the 21st Century the brass play again.

In 2004, Bob Loforte organized the Mexico Brass during one successful season, then the group hibernated until October of 2007 when the time was ripe for the group to blossom. We are now more than 14 horns strong and are practicing weekly for busy Christmas and Summer seasons.