William H. Thorp March

The "William H. Thorp March" was composed by band member Pat Siravo as a tribute to Bill Thorp, who has played trumpet with the band for 81 years. This march was recorded at a recent rehearsal of the band.. To hear how the sound of the band has changed over the years, you can compare it to  "Lassus Trombone", which was recorded at Mystic in 1999.

Willam  H. Thorp

As a youth, William Thorp studied trumpet with Charles Gavitt, who was director of the Westerly Band  from 1900 to 1946. Bill joined the band in 1927 and has played with us continuously since then. In doing  so, Bill  played under each of the four Westerly Band directors of the 20th century. A mathematician, he worked at the Underwater Sound Laboratory and helped create a band there. Bill was also a member of the Stonington Town Band, the Columbus Band, the Mystic/Noank band, the orchestras of the Pfizer Players, and a Legion band in Noank. Not only has he set a record for longevity, he created a dynasty. His son Barry plays french horn and has been president for many years. Another son, Brian plays trumpet, as does his grandson, William.  Barry's wife, Stephanie, plays concert bells in the percussion section.

William Thorp, as a teenage member of the Westerly Band, circa 1928 (above), and with his grandson , Bill, at a concert in Mystic, 2002 (right)

About the Composer For many years, Pat Siravo has played trumpet with the Columbus Band and the Westerly Band. Since retirement he has turned his talents to composition. Other works that he has composed for the band are "The Spirit of Westerly" and "Bucky's March". The latter piece is in memory of Bucky Wildes, who was musical director and creative spark for the Columbus Band, the Westerly Band, and several other area bands.

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