The Band is part of the Wakefield Retired Men's Club. The Club has been at the center of senior citizen activities in Boston northshore for many years. It's a large men's club that meets twice a month at the First Parish Congregational Church. Membership is usually 200 or more. The club acts as an umbrella organization for a number of smaller groups that focus on special activities such as travel, photography, and stamps.

In the Fall of 1973 some of the men, mainly Chester Card, Gaston Loubris and Joe Whitin got to talking about how they all had played musical instruments. The idea was obvious. "Let's start a band!!" Music and instruments came down from attics. The guys played scales to get lips back in shape. More men signed up and rehearsals began in October with 15 musicians ready to play. Chester Card, a trumpet player, took on the conductor's duties. The Wakefield Retired Men's Club suddenly had a band. The first concert, for the main club meeting, was performed April 24, 1974. Within a few short years the band was playing for numerous senior activities around Wakefield and neighboring towns.


When the band posed for this formal picture Chet Card was behind the sign, Joe Leary was on his left. The tuba player is Ann Lanza, one of quite a few women who have played with the band.
Our conductors have come from the band itself. Chester Card was a trumpet player who served in a Navy band off the coast of Virginia. He became director of the famous First Corps Cadets Band in Boston. In retirement, he collected interesting string ties and did woodworking. It was Chet Card who made and introduced the elegant wood bow ties we wear at concerts. Joseph Leary, a violinist who played baritone horn in the band became assistant conductor about 1987. He was soon followed by Ron Downey. Ron had joined the band to play trumpet in 1985. His directing talent was recognized right away. He served as Joe Leary's Assistant Director became Director about 1989. The band prospered under his meticulous leadership. Wayne Killian joined the band after he retired from the band position at Masconomet Regional High School. He and Bob Foucht worked as co-directors and took the band into the first half decade of the 21st century.


Here, under the baton of Ron Downey, the band plays for a meeting of the Wakefield Retired Men's Club. It's always a festive occasion.
The band was a great success because it was fun. Players came from near and far. Some members could play several different instruments and thus fill in missing harmonies. The love of music-making and the fun of getting together to make music kept the band active and helped recruit new players.


Here, under the baton of Wayne Killian, the band plays a cold Seniors Day 2003 concert at the Topsfield Fair.