named programs · 2 · from sources
What they call their work
Concert and Parade Performances
Performs up to 30 concerts and parades annually at civic, cultural, and patriotic events throughout Western New York, including Memorial Day and Independence Day celebrations
Member Musical Development
Provides volunteer musicians with opportunities to perform challenging repertoire at a high level, supporting ongoing musical skill development through rehearsals and performances
activities · 9 groups
What they do
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Commissioning New Musical Works 1 activity
- Encouraging original music compositionsFosters and encourages original music compositions for performance by band members.
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Organized Member Social Events 1 activity
- Fostering fellowship and member engagementProvides fellowship and social engagement for members through band activities, monthly organizational meetings, social functions, and structured roles such as personnel and equipment management.
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Fundraising for Community and Charitable Initiatives 1 activity
- Fundraising and financial supportSupports band operations through income generated from performances, raffles, special events, and tax-deductible donations received via PayPal and mail.
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Event and Production Volunteer Coordination 1 activity
- Managing band operations and logisticsManages band operations through structured roles including equipment managers, a library team of six members, and member-led setup and teardown of rehearsal and performance equipment on a rotating basis.
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Classical and Chamber Music Performances 1 activity
- Performing concerts and civic eventsPerforms at up to 30 concerts, parades, and civic, cultural, educational, charitable, and patriotic events annually as a non-professional community band combining symphonic and parade music.
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Live Music Performances & Concerts 1 activity
- Promoting appreciation for band musicPromotes interest and appreciation for band music among members and the broader community through performances, historical archives, and public events.
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Community Choral Rehearsals & Performances 1 activity
- Recruiting and integrating new membersRecruits musicians from local high schools, colleges, and the broader community, and integrates them through a probationary period, after which they receive standardized uniforms and permanent status.
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Music Education and Training Programs 1 activity
- Supporting musical skill developmentSupports the development of members' musical skills through voluntary participation, weekly rehearsals, and structured leadership roles including music director and drum major.
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Uncategorized 1 activity
- Competing in national and international band competitionsParticipates in and has won multiple national and international band competitions, including the American Legion National Concert Band Competition, Canadian National Exhibition, and international events in Sydney, Australia.
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financials · form 990EZ · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$71K
Contributions & grants$33K46%
Program service revenue$20K28%
Investment income——
Other revenue$19K
expenses
Total expenses$57K
Program expenses—
Admin / overhead—
Fundraising—
Salaries & benefits—
Grants paid out—
balance sheet
Total assets$73K
Cash—
Investments—
Liabilities—
Net assets$73K
6 years on record · 2020–2025 · YoY revenue -28.9%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2025
Who runs it
board members · 4
- BETSY GENGO — DIRECTOR
- KARL KROETSCH — DIRECTOR
- LAUREN HESS — DIRECTOR
- PETER FOGLE — DIRECTOR
relationships · 10
Who they work with
- American Legion Network — Member of the American Legion national organization, participating in its band program and national competitions.
- American Legion Network — Operates as a band affiliated with the American Legion under the name "Band of the Tonawandas".
- American Legion Post 264 Network — Operates as a band affiliated with and reflecting credit upon American Legion Post 264
- Canisius College Partner — Founded and leads the Concert Band; serves as adjunct professor of music.
- Erie County Music Educators Association Partner — Collaborates through shared ensemble leadership and educational activities.
- Frontiersmen VFW Post 7545 Partner — Hosts band rehearsals at its facility on a weekly basis.
- Give Butter Partner — Hosts the band's donation platform, facilitating online contributions.
- New York State Band Directors Association Network — Former President and active member of the professional organization.
- PayPal Partner — Processes online donations for the band via PayPal transactions.
- Williamsville South High School Partner — Director of Bands, leading Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble, and Marching Bands since 1992.
strategies · 3
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Civic Engagement Through Musicmethodology: civic-engagement-through-artsBy performing at civic, cultural, educational, charitable, and patriotic events, the band strengthens community ties and promotes patriotism, leveraging music as a vehicle for shared identity and civic connection.
- Inclusive Membership to Enhance Artistic Capacitymethodology: inclusive_membershipBy expanding membership eligibility to historically excluded groups—such as women—the organization increases its talent pool and musical capacity, strengthening performance quality through broader participation.
- Volunteer-Based Skill Development and Personal Growthmethodology: volunteer-based-skill-developmentBy engaging members in voluntary musical participation, the organization fosters individual skill development and personal growth through shared artistic effort, using music as a means for lifelong learning and self-improvement.