Welcome to the newest internet home of the Broome Street Bands. We are an all volunteer group of musicians and supporters who like to make music and have fun. We are hosted by the Drew United Methodist Church (49-51 Sussex Street) in Port Jervis, New York which is where we practice on Monday evenings. We are a friendly, family oriented group and always welcome new members. All ages are represented in our groups – from our flag twirling teens to retired seniors who play in the wind ensemble. We have music teachers, professional musicians, amateurs and hobbyists. Many of our members are adults who used to play an instrument in school but hadn’t touched it in many years. If you have an instrument sitting in your closet, why not dust it off and join us for rehearsal on a Monday evening. You won’t regret it!
Our beginnings trace back many years to 1988 when a small group of musicians wanted to play live music for the Drew UMC church services. That first group was called the Swinging Stewards and the founding members included Hank Ranich and Albert Gessner (of Al’s Music Shop in Port Jervis, NY). Eventually this small group grew to become the Broome Street Traveling All-Stars. We’ve been marching in parades ever since and have now expanded to include a variety of other musical groups. We offer something for anyone who wants to play music and have fun! We are a 501c3 non profit and every year we give scholarship money to some members who are graduating from High School. Check out this 2024 article about us that appeared in the Tri-State Lookout: https://jessica50f.substack.com/p/broome-street-wind-ensemble-concert
Practice Schedule – most rehearsals are on Monday evenings at Drew United Methodist Church, 49 – 51 Sussex St, Port Jervis, NY 12771.
- Marching Band/Sitting All Stars – 6pm – 6:55pm
Directors – Seth Riehl and Al Gessner - Wind Ensemble – 7pm – 8:30pm or 9pm (varies as needed)
Directors – Seth Riehl and Andy Mayce - Brassanova – 8:30pm – 9pm
Director – Bruce Dedrick - Swinging Stewards – Sunday rehearsals every week at Drew UMC – 9:30am, performance in church about every month. Director – Al Gessner
Anyone interested in joining any of our groups can come meet us on Monday evenings at Drew UMC, 49 – 51 Sussex St, Port Jervis, NY 12771.