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| HISTORY |
| In 1981, the months of January and February were rapidly passing. I was approached several times by Mr. Julio Almeida, Mr. Jose Pascoal and Mr. Jose Silveira Rodrigues, an employee of my company, A.V. Thomas Produce, about the possiblility of forming a marching band. The meeting place was the company's ofice located at 1334 Court Street in Livingston. Many issues were raised and discussed during our conversations: Who would be the conductor, how many musicians were needed, where to rehearse, funds to purchase instruments, uniforms and flags, name of the band, drafting of by-laws and required registration, when to start rehearsals, composition of the first board of directors, date of inauguration, etc. The first step was to secure a conductor. We became aware that Mr. Manuel Duarte Veiga, a native of Serreta, Island of Terceira, was conducting the rehearsals for the Band Artista Amadora in San Leandro. Since his relatives lived in Gustine, he was interested in moving to the area. The invitation was made in April of the same year during a celebration at the Portuguese Hall in Tracy and Mr. Veiga without hesitation accepted. At the April monthly meeting of the Board of Directors of the Livingston Pentecost Club, where, at the time, I held the position of Treasurer and Mr. Anibal Silveira was the President, I informed everyone present of our intentions to form a marching band and to use the Association's facilities as headquarters. By a unanimous decision of the twelve members present, the following was approved and written in the minutes: Rehearsals, meetings, annual celebration of the Marching Band and any other activity would be held in the facilities of said Association without any burden to the Band. On the other hand, the Marching Band would pledge to perform on Saturday and Sunday during the annual celebration (Festa) which takes place on the first Sunday of July, during the celebration of financial reports (Festa das Contas) which takes place also annually on the third Sunday of September or during any other event for which it was invited. This arrangement thrived for many years in harmony and friendship. The Portuguese Hall in Livingston was the headquarters of the Lira Acoriana of Livingston for over 22 years. The rehearsals began in early November and the dedication, enthusiasm and expectations of everyone were immediately noticeable. Thanks to the camaraderie and friendship with other marching bands, especially the Portuguese Marching Band of San Jose, we were able to use loaned instruments for some of the musicians while others had their own instruments. The months that followed were packed with huge decisions and hard work but also very inspirational. The name for the band arose during one of those moments: SOCIEDADE FILARMONICA LIRA ACORIANA DE LIVINGSTON. It was decided that we would have two sets of uniforms; the summer uniform: pants, shirt, belt and shoes in white and a white cap with a burgundy colored ribbon and jacket and tie also burgundy; the winter uniform: black pants, shoes and belt replacing the white ones used during the summer. We acquired instruments for 37 musicians as follows: 2 tubas, 2 E flat tubas, 3 french horns, 4 trombones, 3 baritones, 2 tenor saxophones, 5 trumpets, 6 clarinets, 3 alto saxophones, 1 soprano saxophone, 1 baritone saxophone, 3 drums, a bass drum and cymbals. The first Board of Directors was selected by nomination and the Articles of Incorporation and the By-Laws were approved and registered on April 1 of 1982. Saint Cecilia was unanimously chosen as the patron saint of the Band. After all, she is the patron saint of musicians. We solicited the Society of the Uniao Rosalense from Rosais, in the island of Sao Jorge, to use their Anthem which they kindly allowed. The flag, as well as the pennants and insignias, were still left to complete. My wife, Laurinda Vieira, and the rest of the directors and musicians' spouses and other friends of the Lira Acoriana, were very helpful and worked tirelessly on these tasks. During the early discussions about forming the band, it was decided that the author of this article would be responsible for the financing of the project. It was also decided that the band would pay the debt when it was able to do so without incurring any interest. The amount spent up to and including the inauguration was approximately $30,000, which was paid in full in a little more than two years. The big day finally arrived - May 9, 1982 - Mother's Day. It was a memorable and unforgettable day for all of those present. The inaugural acts, as well as the concerts, presented by the bands, dinner, auction, and bazaar, were held outside on grounds of the Livingston Pentecost Club due to the large hall being under construction at the time. The stage was set up near the trees and dozens of decorated arches with green branches and flowers lined the path for the musicians as they were called to the bandstand set up for the occasion. |
| THE FIRST SOUNDS OF THE LIRA ACORIANA OF LIVINGSTON Manuel Eduardo Vieira |