A strong community tradition of town bands exists that continues to this day in the state of Vermont [1].

Historical documents [2] confirm local town band concerts in Royalton dating back at least as far back as the summer of 1886. Newspaper articles indicate performances by a cornet band, common in that era, as early as 1869. Research indicates a history of band concerts being given by local musicians for at least 1.5 centuries [3].

The Royalton Town Band has been in its present form since the mid-1940s. Through the 2015 season, we were directed by Mr. Richard W. (Dick) Ellis. Since his passing, the band has affirmed its intent to continue with tradition and develop new leadership.

Recognizing the need for better access and to hold a larger number of band members, a new modern bandstand was constructed on the South Royalton Green in 2004, the Richard W. Ellis Bandstand.

Did you know that the Royalton Town Band was featured in a made-for-TV movie? Dick Ellis conducted the band in the 1980 film The Man that Corrupted Hadleyburg, which starred Robert Preston as the Stranger. The movie was based on a Mark Twain story, and was filmed in and around South Royalton, VT in 1979.