OUR STORY
In the early 1980's Sandwich Resident Len Savery was playing his trumpet in the Chatham Band. Seeing the joy and happiness that the Chatham Band brought to families and visitors since 1932 Len was filled with the desire to create a band that would bring an equal amount of joy and happiness to the Upper Cape particularly his howntown of Sandwich Massachusetts.
After conceptualizing what his band would look like Len began the work of recruiting musicians, borrowing music, finding a director and locating a spot for the band to perform.
After surveying several locations in town the bandstand located at Shawme Pond next to the historic Hoxie House on Water Street/Route 130 in the heart of the historic district in downtown Sandwich was chosen for the band's first season. At the same time a director was chosen and the baton was handed to Mr. Wil Harrigan.
As the 1982 season went on Len quickly realizing that the band was growing and more space was needed for more members and a growing audience. Len then got to work designing a new band stand.
After obtaining approval from the town officals during the late summer and fall of 1982 Mr. Savery began the task of getting a bandstand errected. After surveying several different locations throughout town the field to the rear of the Henry T. School right up the street from Shawme Pond was chosen as the bandstands new home. in early 1983 work was begun and the bandstand was built by an all vonuteer work crew. On July 3rd 1983 the band played its first concert at its new home.
As time marched on the band grew to an over 35 member strong ensemble. Director Wil Harrigan led the band with his baton for over 27 years until is retirement in 2009. At that time in addition to managing the band Mr. Savery took up the directorship himself and led the band with his baton until his retirement in 2016. At that time Len chose fellow first trumpet player Jeremy Cadrin to take on the management and keep up the business of the band and carry on the legacy that Mr. Savery worked tirelessly to keep alive. In 2019 Manager Jeremy Cadrin took over the directorship of the band and has led the band under his baton since.
Unfortunately in 2018 our trusty bandstand which had withstood many harsh storms and Cape Cod winters outlived its purpose and was condemed by the town building department and subsequnetly taken down due to rotted supports and a twisting roof making it unsafe for occupation. Faced with a new challenge Director Jeremy Cadrin took on the challenge of finding a new location to carry on the tradition of the summer band concerts in Sandwich. Shortly after that time the COVID-19 pandemic struck and for the first time in the band's history concerts were cancelled for two consecutive seasons. While following health and social distancing guidelines it gave Jeremy time to brainstorm and look toward the bands return and future seasons.
After social distancing restrictions were lifted the band began to gather for rehearsals again as they had done every April. In 2022 after locating a new concert venue the band performed its first concert at its new home on the lawn of the Sandwich Public Library located at 142 Main Street in the historic district of Sandwich. This year (2024) the band will be performing its 41st Season.
Carrying on the traditions set forth by Mr. Savery the band will continue to play at each concert the ever poular Bunny Hop, its own "Mickey Mouse Double Reversing Kids March" a rousing march in which the children are invited to march around the band waving American Flags and we will also continue to end our concerts the same way as we have done for 41 years playing God Bless America.
The band has some great music chosen for the 2024 season with everything from John Phillip Souza marches to disney movie classics, Dixieland hits and everything in between. Concerts will begin on July 4th, 2024 at 7pm sharp with a special patriotic themed concert to celebrate Independence Day.
All you have to do is bring a chair, picnic dinner, a smile, sit back, relax and listen to the sounds of The Sandwich Town Band.
Our founder Mr. Len Savery.
In addition to creating the Sandwich Town Band Mr. Savery created a big band style band called The Moonlighters (The shirt he is wearing sports the Moonlighters logo). Several town band members also played with him in The Moonlighters until his retirement.
Len is a very accomplished musician and continues his love of music In Florida where he and his wife Donna retired. The entire Cape Cod music community owes Mr. Savery a debt of gratitude for the lasting mark he has made on Cape Cod. His vision and drive will never be forgotten and we will do our absolute best to make him proud.
Len wearing the uniform of the Chatham Band. His daughter Laurie stands beside him. Laurie would later join the Sandwich Town Band and play 1st clarinet. Date of the picutre is unknown.