Our Beginnings were humble
The Lafayette Band of North Kingstown is one of the oldest bands in Rhode Island. The band was formed in the mill village of Lafayette in 1884 and served as the focus of village social life by performing at lawn parties, socials, and band fairs, which were three-day entertainment extravaganzas. East Greenwich, Davisville, and Wakefield all had bands, but the Lafayette Cornet Band, as it was known in the early days, was considered the best of the area bands. In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s the band was led by the captain of the steamer General and entertained on moonlight excursions between Wickford and Newport. At the 1889 opening of the Sea View railroad running from Wickford to Narragansett Pier the band led the celebration from its own railroad car.
As some bands floundered, this band flourished when women and high school students were invited to participate in 1946. Nowadays, band members come from many communities in Rhode Island. Our musicians have the opportunity to continue their musical education and present concerts through the area. Playing concerts in various neighborhoods through the years, the band now makes it summer performance home at the Lafayette Band Stand in the Joseph Pelosi Performance Center located at the North Kingstown Town Beach. Joe was the band’s longtime director for 50 years during the 20th and 21st centuries. The rich tradition of the band continues under the direction of Bethany Clarke Bromley, and the band performs at assisted living and nursing homes, parades, community events, and at two formal concerts each year, the Armed Forces Salute in May and the Holiday Concert at Wickford’s Festival of Lights in December.
The Lafayette Band is incorporated as a 501c(3). We welcome donations at each of our public performances throughout the year.
As some bands floundered, this band flourished when women and high school students were invited to participate in 1946. Nowadays, band members come from many communities in Rhode Island. Our musicians have the opportunity to continue their musical education and present concerts through the area. Playing concerts in various neighborhoods through the years, the band now makes it summer performance home at the Lafayette Band Stand in the Joseph Pelosi Performance Center located at the North Kingstown Town Beach. Joe was the band’s longtime director for 50 years during the 20th and 21st centuries. The rich tradition of the band continues under the direction of Bethany Clarke Bromley, and the band performs at assisted living and nursing homes, parades, community events, and at two formal concerts each year, the Armed Forces Salute in May and the Holiday Concert at Wickford’s Festival of Lights in December.
The Lafayette Band is incorporated as a 501c(3). We welcome donations at each of our public performances throughout the year.
Our Director
Bethany Clarke Bromley
Director of the Lafayette Band since 2013, Ms. Bromley has served as conductor of the Jamestown Community Band, music director at The Prout School in Wakefield, and interim director of the Lafayette Band and the Wakefield Concert Band. She earned two Bachelor degrees in music as an honor student at the University of Rhode Island and is a certified music teacher in Rhode Island and Connecticut. Currently, Bethany works at the Pine Point School in Stonington Connecticut. A skilled saxophonist, she gives private instrumental lessons in southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island. Fittingly, Bethany continues the Lafayette Band’s deep tradition of music directors with ties to North Kingstown and North Kingstown High School. She, as well as her parents, are former NKHS students.
Lafayette Band Board of Directors
Jacquelyn Lamoureux, President
Donna Knott, Vice President
Dirk Tsymans, Secretary
Bonnie Dynon, Treasurer
John Smith, Past President
Sarah Browne
Maria DiNitto
Katherine Taylor
Bob Vacca
Jacquelyn Lamoureux, President
Donna Knott, Vice President
Dirk Tsymans, Secretary
Bonnie Dynon, Treasurer
John Smith, Past President
Sarah Browne
Maria DiNitto
Katherine Taylor
Bob Vacca
