Photo: Casco Bay Wind Symphony at the State House
Photo Credit: Will Wohler, Wohler & Co.

Robert Browne Hall (1858-1907) is known by band musicians all around Maine as the “New England March King.” He was an American composer, conductor, and cornet virtuoso.
Of Hall’s over 100 total compositions, at least 62 of them are marches. Although he rarely left his home state of Maine, his works are acclaimed internationally, paricularly in the United Kingdom.

Hall’s work with bands in Maine was so notable, that the last Saturday of June was officially established on May 11, 1981 as R. B. Hall Day, mandating the Governor to “annually issue a proclamation urging citizens and community bands statewide to celebrate the internationally recognized Maine Composer. (Bridgton Community Band)
In 2026, R. B. Hall Day is being hosted by Westbrook City Band. Casco Bay Wind Symphony will be performing along with 12 other Maine bands on Saturday, June 27. The bands take turns playing from 8:40 a.m. to 5:40 p.m.. CBWS will perform at 4:20 p.m.

Then at noon, anyone from any of the bands can perform together and play Hall’s music while the conductor, Dennis Harrington, usually plays Hall’s cornet.
The performance will take place under tents at Westbrook Community Center at 426 Bridge Street in Westbrook.

Admission is free to the public. Audience members should bring their own chairs and umbrellas. There will be food trucks with food, ice cream and drinks for cash.
The Casco Bay Wind Symphony has had its rehearsal home in Gorham for nearly 30 years, and performs three times per year at Gorham High School. Composed of 77 members, the majority of members are from towns surrounding Gorham, but not all.

Gorham resident Ellen Lucy says it will be a fun day of great music for everyone.

Rob Poissant is a trumpet player and Gorham resident. He wrote to us, “Good to have a Maine holiday that remembers the great contributions of R. B. Hall… a good day to join up with other bands and the contributions of musicians in our Great State of Maine. It’s good to experience the local communities enjoying the music we love to play and bring unity in the communities.”