Our History

The Belgian Band was organized in November, 1931 under the sponsorship of the "Belgian American Business Men's Association".  It‘s goal was to start a tradition of excellence through playing at all  Belgian American Community’s major events. Their first concert was performed in January,  1932 under the direction of Mr. Ivo Vandenheede which has since evolved into our traditional, Annual Spring Festival. Our traditions continued through many successful leaderships with Mr. Hipoliet Six until 1953, Mr. Gustaaf  Vercruysse, formally a baritone player, until his retirement in 1973. Mr. Joseph  Edelmayer until 1991, and Mr. Umberto Di Lodovico, until his passing in November, 2003.  More recently, the Conductor Mr. Chris Migliore, at that time, a band member for 15 years, directed the band with great success from November, 2003 until January, 2009. He was instrumental in expanding our music library. Director Mr. Larry Huntington and the band members continued to work hard to bring forth an enjoyable performance and maintain “The love of music and arts in general among the Belgian – American community". After Larry Huntington retired on his 14th anniversary with the band, serving 14 years as the director, Mr. Dale Marzewski took over the leadership of the band in 2023. The Belgian American Association Band has continually, through our 91 years of existence, provided time-honored entertainment for our Belgian American Community.