The band marches as part of the opening ceremonies of the Sarajevo Winter Olympics in 1984. Watch (QuickTime video 3:57) Manager Bob Haggett explains how much fun it is to be in the band. Listen (Real 0:46) The Brass Firemen play their signature song, When the Saints Go Marching In. Listen (Real 1:04) Bob Haggett reminisces about changes since the band has traveled so far from home. Listen (Real 1:30) The Brass Firemen play and sing Four Leaf Clover. Listen (Real 1:34) Band members recall the excitement of playing for the Olympics opening ceremony in Sarajevo. Listen (Real 1:29)

The Norwood Brass Firemen were the subject of this June 5, 2000 profile jointly produced for radio by Traditional Arts in Upstate New York and North Country Public Radio. Listen (Real 6:46)

One of our region's oldest and best known musical organizations, the Volunteer Fire Department Band of Norwood (more familiar to many as the Norwood Brass Firemen) continues its long tradition as a community band. Dating back to the late nineteenth century, the band flourished until World War II. During that war, Fred Morgan, who had played the tuba in the band like his father before him, was asked by his employer ALCOA to organize a group of its workers from Norwood for a small band to help boost morale on the homefront. Varying over the years from eight to twenty four members, the Norwood Brass Firemen have played at everything from local celebrations in the North Country to presidential inaugurations and the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. Maintaining a repertoire of old standards, patriotic and jazz favorites, they often play in Dixieland style.

Return to Masters Homepage