Member Name:

Tom Powell

Year Joined Community Band:

2004

Spouse / Sig Other, Children:

Sue / Son Bob and Daughter Kris. They’re both married and we have two super grandchildren.

Work / Profession (if retired, former):

Retired after 35 years at RG&E. Was manager of Loss Prevention with responsibility for corporate security, safety, fire protection and claims and insurance.

Personal Pursuits:

(such as: sports/recreation, volunteer work, hobbies, crafts, family activities, special accomplishments)

I enjoy sailing and power boating, travel, spending time in the Adirondacks at the family camp. I volunteer at Pittsford Volunteer Ambulance Service as Dispatch Supervisor and as a Board of Directors member with responsibility for buildings and grounds. I collect and also cast and paint toy soldier military bands and enjoy woodworking and model boat building.

Music Background:

(such as: your start, experience, education, mentor, inspiration, interesting or humorous personal story, accomplishments)

I began playing drums in grade school in the city of Rochester and played in both band and orchestra at East High. I also participated in drum and bugle corps activities during high school and college years and played in my college bands and orchestras and various jazz ensembles.

Other Bands Play(ed) With:

In addition to the HFCC Band I am the senior snare (36 year member) of the Pittsford Fire Department Band, winners of many NY State Firemen’s Association Championships, and I play in the Jack Allen Big Band and the RG&E Big Band.

What do you most enjoy, or find especially fulfilling, about being a part of Community Band:

The really nice group of people, the support the percussion section gives each other (finding lost measures etc.)

and the excellent leadership. I have played for a number of the area’s fine musical directors including the late Don Jones and Jack End as well as spending many years playing for Tedo D’Aurizio and Lindsey is a great addition to that list.

Of the music we play, is there a type or piece that is your favorite:

I think the band’s broad repertoire is all interesting (but we sure could use some Sousa!!!).