How the Filarmonica Recreio do Emigrante Portuguese was started
The Filarmonica Recreio do Emigrante Portuguese was founded in 1978 by
several parents and members of the Poruguese community from the San Francisco
East Bay Area. The band's nickname is a banda de Newark, which is the city where
our band practices. Most of our musicians are from the Fremont, Newark, Union City, Hayward,
San Leandro and San Lorenzo Areas.
Our band The Filarmonica Recreio do Emigrante Portuguese is the fourth oldest Portuguese
marching band in all of California. There were several Portuguese marching bands founded
in the late 1800's and early 1900's, but they faded away over the years. In fact,
some were founded by the famous Portuguese composer John Philip Sousa, who not only
was the director of the United States Presidents Band but also the most famous composer of
many of our familiar American military marches.
Most of the musicians that formed our band, a Filarmonica Recreio do Emigrante Portuguese, were
some of the very same founding members of the Santa Clara Portuguese Band which was formed
in 1974.
Due to the historical gasoline crisis of the 70's, which included rising fuel costs and fuel
shortages, a burden was placed on many parents and musicians from the SF Bay Area. A request
was made to the Santa Clara Band Board to have practices moved to the Newark for a small period of time
to help reduce costs. The request was denied thus causing the formation of a committee
to explore starting a band in Newark Ca.
A Board of Directors was created. Members and musicians were gathered and a new band was
formed. The Filarmonica Recreio do Emigrante Portuguese was inagurated in Newark Ca., and
its first public performance was held at the Newark Pavilion in April 1978.
Since that date many members and musicians have come and gone. Some have persued other
ventures and some have passed on. Either way, this band could not have continued so many
years if it wasn't for the dedication and committment our musicians and members have given
this organization. For this we sincerely Thank each and every person that has helped in
one way or another to make our band the success it is today!
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