Buffalo Silver Band History ----

In 1915, four men started a band to augment the Sunday evening services of the First Hungarian Baptist Church of Buffalo, New York. The name “The Hungarian Baptist Band”, became the “Austin Street Baptist Band”, then the “Buffalo Baptist Silver Band” and finally in 1981, the current “Buffalo Silver Band.”
Mr. George Beke is credited with establishing the band and with the support of the church congregation, purchased its first set of instruments. From the band's beginning in 1915 until the start of World War II, the band's music was a regular part of the evening service.

Back Row: George Beké* - Bass horn, Nick Biro - Alto horn , Alex Ladanyi - Clarinet , Unknown - Clarinet , William Pinkoº - Alto horn , Joseph Yanik - E flat bass

Middle Row : Frank Wade - Trumpet , John Yanik - Saxophone , Edward Wade - French Horn , Frank Chermaz Sr. - French Horn , Frank Chermaz Jr. - French Horn , Andrew Yanik - Trombone , James Yanik - Drum

Front Row: Fred Nagy - Trumpet , Louis Szabo - Trumpet , Mary Nagy - Trombone , Ernest G. Barton - Conductor , Ida Rang - Saxophone , Rev. Alex Kinda - Trumpet - Church Pastor , Stephen Yanik - Trumpet

* a founder of the band in 1915
º Director, McKinley High School Band

( drum that is in the 1935 photo has been on display at the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society since 1995

Most of the band's activity was disrupted by the war, and rebuilding the band afterwards was not easy as only a few were left from the pre-war group. Subsequently, the band ceased its church affiliation and became a community performing organization.

Today ----

The band maintains the British Brass Band style tradition in its instrumentation and music. It is composed entirely of brass instruments, except for percussion. Our repertoire is from an extensive library of music written and arranged for brass bands.
The band plays concerts for charitable causes, summer town park programs and other benefit and community performances. It also participates in brass festivals and competitions in and outside Western New York .
The band's members are talented professional and amateur musicians from all walks of life who donate their services.