And the band played on … and on … and on.

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Portuguese Independent Band, a group of proud men and women who have made beautiful music together for as long as anyone can remember.

According to the band archives, the group formed on July 20, 1919, “having a group of young men with a desire and love for music in Bristol.” The group invited some musicians to join the first meeting, held in the Hall of the Holy Spirit, the home of the Portuguese Colonial Santo Christo Club on Franklin Street.

Excitement built steadily ,and before you know it, the town had a band that everyone could be proud of.

The first president was Manuel Homan Goularte, the band director was Francisco do Rego Pereira, the band master, Liandro Franco de Souza, and the assistant band master, Jose Poim Coelho.

Taking the name “Banda Portugueza Indepentente” (Portuguese Independent Band), the organization was charted in 1921. The signatures on the original articles were Adreano Costa Maiato, Guilherme Ponte Nunes, Francisco P. Leima, Francisco R. Pereira, and Antonio Gomes Serra.

History tells us that the organization later moved to Columbia Hall, which once stood on the site of the St. Elizabeth School Auditorium. The Band then purchased the present location in the former Sons of Italy Hall at the corner of Roma and Wood streets.

Past band directors and leaders included Francisco do Rego Pereira, Liandro Franco de Souza, Sebastiao Bernardo, Augustinho Fidalgo, Joao M. Silvestre, Pedro Galvao, Joseph A. Souza, Joseph Castro, George Correia and present leader and manager Dennis Raposa.

Quality band music is this group’s prime signature. They’ve played virtually everywhere and at an assortment of events, including Bristol’s famous Fourth of July Parade.

Mostly made up of males, the Portuguese Independent Band now includes 10 women, whose musical excellence has been a welcomed addition. They are truly into the spirit of things, especially at rehearsals, where Mr. Raposa’s exuberance and propensity for detail are clearly evident.

“There are more females going into music,” said Mr. Raposa, “and that’s a direct result of the fine music programs going on in local schools.”

The Portuguese Independent Band has been a role model for other bands of its type over the years. They have been the darlings of scores of admirers, most notably those of Portuguese descent.

“But it wasn’t always easy,” said Mr. Raposa in an earlier interview. “We’ve had some down years, in terms of enrollment, but now we’re getting more and more members and the future looks great. We got some young blood, and that’s helped.”

During those early years, the band took its cue from the musical talents of men like George C. Lima, Jimmy Cruz, Joseph and John Castro, Antonio “Blondie” Tavares, George Correia, and Gene and Hector Massa, among others.

“Those gentlemen were my mentors and role models when I first started playing with the band,” said Mr. Raposa. “They were exceptional musicians.”

Currently, there are 45 members in the Portuguese Independent Band, every one of them as dedicated and professional as you might expect.

“We all help each other out,” Mr. Raposa explained. “It’s been a wonderful experience.”

For percussionist George Correia, playing in the Portuguese Independent Band has been a carryover from what his father started many years earlier.

“I started playing in the band in 1968 at age 12, when I started taking drum lessons from Ray Sartini,” he said. “Playing in the band gave me all kinds of experience, such as reading band music and Portuguese manuscript, being on time, honoring commitments, and following directions. My father (George Sr.) was a huge influence as I watched him go out and play when I was younger. When I finally was able to play in the band, we were given responsibilities immediately. My father and I, and my brother Frank, spent many summers playing and hanging out at Portuguese feasts around the region. In those days, the gigs were full weekend events. The time I spent with my dad was very special.”

He continued, “Through the years I’ve played in the band here and there when leader Dennis Raposa asked me to play. You have to give so much credit to leader Dennis Raposa and lead trumpet player Manny Ignacio for keeping the band going … so much dedication to a genre which would have died if not for them. When Dennis contacted me about doing the 100th anniversary recording, I was thrilled. Even though I’m very busy with my music career, it’s something that’s very important to me. The PIC Band has served the town of Bristol and surrounding region faithfully for 100 years. The lessons I’ve learned playing in the band still serve me today as I work as a band leader and junior high band director at Jenks Middle School in Pawtucket.”

Like George Correia, bandmate and good friend Manny Ignacio has prospered through his association with the PIB.

“I joined the band when I was nine years old,” he said. “I was at the end of a very long contingent of fine trumpet players-playing third trumpet. Playing with the band at such a young age benefitted me in many ways. These include: Helping how to read music, learning what live performances was all about, how to be part of a team of musicians with a goal of performing at as high a level as possible, how to march and play parades and processions, and commitment via rehearsals and preparations. Over the years, I have been able to play countless concerts, parades and participated in/on numerous recordings of the band, culminating with the current-most likely the final recording to ever take place.”

Now in his 49^th year as a member of the band, Mr. Ignacio is proud to have marched in the Fourth of July Parade on a regular basis.

“I have played in the Bristol Fourth Parade in all but two of those years,” he reported, “with the PIC Band and the Bristol High School Band. I have been solo/principle trumpet, Band Manager for over 10 years, and was also president of the Club/Band for six years. There is tremendous responsibility with being president of an organization and business-but is was part of doing my part in keeping the organization going to make it as successful as possible.”

He concluded, “Playing in the band for so many years has allowed me to meet countless people and to be part of many religious and community affairs. This has helped shape the kind of person I am today.”

To date, the band has produced seven CDs, with a new one coming out in a few weeks.

“The new CD will include traditional and modern songs,” Mr. Raposa said. “We’re really excited about it.”

In addition, the group will be preparing to march in this year’s Bristol Fourth of July Parade, an assignment the band has enjoyed for decades. Plus, they’ll also be part of the annual “Concerts on the Common” Series this summer.

With a century of music under their belts, the Portuguese Independent Band continues to entertain people of all ages … with style and astute musical expression. The beat goes on.