Waltham American Legion Band

The Waltham American Legion Band is a volunteer community band of about fifty veterans and civilians, ranging in age from teens to their nineties and coming from Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. It includes a Concert Band playing a varied repertoire, plus a Marching Band and a Trolley Band focused on military selections. Membership is open to all ages with no fees or auditions, and players need no military service or American Legion membership to join.

Dorothy Slamin Hill founded the band in Waltham in 1948 to support patriotism. In May 1990 it became the first American band to play in Moscow’s Red Square, performing “God Bless America” in the Victory Day Parade on a trip that included Boston Mayor Raymond Flynn. The band has also traveled to Germany, Ireland, Great Britain and Canada and played across the United States. Past members performed with Tommy Dorsey and Artie Shaw.

What to Know

• Open rehearsals are held on Monday evenings at Waltham American Legion Post 156.
• Players range from beginners to professional musicians.
• The band funds itself through paid performances, fundraisers and donations.
• It donates to educational causes and local scholarships for young musicians.