B l a i r s v i l l e   B a n d

History of the Blairsville Band
as recalled by James Cardellino, Sr.

The Blairsville Band was first organized in 1903 by James Cardellino, Sr., and was not disbanded until 1934. During this period the band reorganized several times, due to members moving out of town and to occaisional deaths.

The original membership in 1903 included the following men: Dario Dallara, Guy DeSabato (deceased), Frank Tatone, Dan Frattura, James DeLuca (deceased), Hector Cardellino, Leon Cardellino (deceased), James Cardellino, Paul DeSabato (Pittsburgh), Karl Dause, Rosario DeSabato (deceased), Emedio Frattura.

In 1912 the band was reorganized and continued on with few changes until 1934 when it was disbanded because of depression conditions and lack of support. Practice was held weekly at the Armory, the 2nd Ward School and in the LaMantia Bldg. During all these years it turned out for all parades and town festivities. Many of the Blairsville people will remember with pleasure the concerts given by the Band at the Diamond. Mr. James Cardellino. Sr. recalled with pride that he had not been absent from 1903 to 1934 at the Memorial Day Services at the Blairsville Cemetery.

Courtesy Blairsville Historical Society