Tuesday, January 21, 2025
The holiday season will come alive at the Freeport Memorial Library on Dec. 13 as the Freeport Community Band takes center stage for the library’s annual Holiday Soirée.
From 7 to 8 p.m., attendees can enjoy festive music, dancing, and even a sing-along, marking a joyful celebration of community and sound. For those who cannot attend in person, the event will also be live-streamed on YouTube, ensuring everyone can share in the festivities.
The Freeport Community Band, a 40-piece ensemble with deep roots in Nassau County, has been a staple of local music for decades. Its members, ranging from high school students to retirees, combine diverse talents to create a rich and harmonious sound.
Leading the band is conductor Sandra Vigliotti, an accomplished musician whose expertise has guided the ensemble since 2012. Under her leadership, the band has flourished, captivating audiences with a mix of symphonic classics, show tunes, rock-and-roll hits and patriotic marches.
Treasurer Ron Sloman, who has been with the band for more than a decade, emphasized the variety of music audiences can expect at the soirée.
“We’re going to do a mix of march-type music and holiday music for this performance,” he said.
“One of them is really interesting,” he added, highlighting one standout piece. “It has Miller-type music, swing band music mixed in with Christmas tunes. I think it’s called ‘A Miller Christmas.’”
Glenn Miller was a famous big band conductor of the early 20th century, who went missing in action and was eventually declared dead during WWII on a flight over the English channel after having volunteered to join the military to entertain troops.
Sloman, who was introduced to the band after filling in for a baritone saxophonist more than 10 years ago, has been an integral part of its growth. Reflecting on the band’s role, he described the upcoming soirée as both a social and musical experience.
“Events like this are very good for us to have an avenue for different generations to get together and mix,” he said.
The Holiday Soirée, which has been taking place at the library for nine years, is particularly unique this year, offering an interactive experience tailored for the library’s audience.
“They wanted some sing-along, they wanted some dance, the ability to dance as well as to listen to the concert,” Frank Barbuzza, the band’s community relations manager and drummer, said. “It’s different for them, because they have an auditorium room.”
Maryellen Cantano, in charge of programming at the library, described the band as a “very heartwarming, heartwarming, talented group that gets you in the holiday spirit. They’ve been together years. Yeah, they’re very good, they’re professional, but they always have a connection to Freeport, so that’s nice.”
The band can trace its roots to 1921, when it was known as the Freeport Fire Department Band. Over the years, it has evolved into a versatile ensemble, performing across Long Island at libraries, nursing homes, outdoor venues and local events.
The group, which consists of members from all walks of life — including students, hobbyists and professionals — takes pride in its ability to engage diverse audiences.
According to Barbuzza, the band’s mission extends beyond the music itself. “When we do a concert like this, it’s to grow the library membership and introduce people to what’s available at the library,” he said.
The band’s performances also serve as a platform to bring the community together, supporting local businesses and encouraging cultural participation.
The set list, chosen by Vigliotti, reflects the season’s festive spirit.
“Much of these songs are designed for people to sing along,” Sloman said.
One of the highlights will be “The Christmas Sing Along,” a lively piece that invites audience participation and promises to evoke nostalgia for classic holiday celebrations.
With its combination of upbeat melodies, opportunities for dancing and sing-along favorites, the Holiday Soirée offers something for everyone.
Whether attendees are longtime fans of the Freeport Community Band or first-time listeners, the evening is sure to leave them feeling festive and connected.
For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed on YouTube at TinyUrl.com/2yb329rp.
For more information about the Holiday Soirée at Freeport Memorial Library at 144 W Merrick Road, contact Tanisha Mitchell at (516) 379-3274 or email tmitchell@freeportlibrary.info.
