In November of 1862, the town of Ashford unanimously voted to accept two donations from Archibald Babcock of $3,000 each. One was to establish the Babcock Library and the other to establish the Babcock Cornet Band. Thus, in 1862, the Babcock Cornet Band was founded in Ashford, Connecticut. With origins dating back to April 1775, we are the oldest continually operating independent community band in the United States. In addition, the band is the country's oldest civilian-run band.

The Babcock Cornet Band's musicians range in age from teenagers to 92 years old and come from a variety of backgrounds. Motivated band students from Ashford, Eastford, Woodstock, Chaplin, Mansfield, Willington, and Union schools are welcome to join us.

Past Directors of the Babcock Band include Louis Chatey (pre 2000), Jamie Beers-Campbell (2000-2020), Vincent LaMonica (2019-2024) and now Jessica F. Brown.

Rehearsals of the Babcock Cornet Band are held on Sundays beginning in mid- to early February and continuing through early December. Any interested musicians are welcome to contact us for more information. 

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Want to join the band?
Please contact Jess Brown at babcockband@gmail.com