The prestigious Irving and Kathryn Hall Award has been given annually since 1984 to the band member or support member who has contributed the most to the band during the past season. Mr. Kaupinnen, a Kirby Band board member, drives the band van in parades and to parades and concerts. The late Irving and Kathryn Hall of Nichols provided rehearsal space for many years for the Kirby Band at the Hallwares Building in Nichols. The Kirby Band, based in Nichols, is the second oldest community band in the United States.

 Don VanScoy also presented Exemplar Awards to several band members for outstanding service to the Kirby Band. Those receiving Exemplar Awards included Sandy Fenn, Darlene McGuinniss, Grace Troutman, Bob Gottschall, and Bob Boettger.

 President Jim Halton conducted the annual business meeting. Judy Kauppinen read the minutes of the 2007 annual meeting.  Sherry Spencer, Treasurer, gave the financial report.  President Jim Halton gave the Business Manager's report in the absence of Barb Henderson.  He stated that the band performed fifteen concerts and thirteen parades for the 2008 season. These events included Memorial Day parades in the Elmira area, the Fourth of July concert at the Hickories in Owego, as well as parades and concerts throughout the Twin Tiers. The band also performed in August at its Monday night concerts in Kirby Park in Nichols, and participated in the Nichols Olde Home Days Labor Day 
celebration.

 The following slate of officers was elected unanimously by the band members:  Jim Halton, President; Janine Callear, Vice-president; Judy Kauppinen, Secretary; Sherry Spencer, Treasurer; and Barb Henderson, Business Manager.  In addition, the following board members at large were elected:  Carl Larson, Bill Van Slyke, Ron and Rita Billings, Gary Kauppinen, Helen Rouse, Don VanScoy, and Lisa Reed.   The Nichols-based Kirby Band is comprised of volunteer musicians from all walks of life from throughout the Twin Tiers. The director of the Kirby Band is Don VanScoy. The Kirby Band rehearses Monday evenings at 7:00 pm at the Asbury Church on River Road in Nichols.  The band invites area musicians to attend its Monday evening rehearsals.  No auditions are required. For directions to the Asbury Church or for further information on rehearsals, call  Jim Halton at (607) 565-4895, Janine Callear (570) 888-6092, or Don VanScoy (607) 687-2718.

 For more information about the Kirby Band or to schedule a performance for the 2009 season, contact Barb Henderson (607) 642-3477, Jim Halton (607) 565-4892, or Janine Callear (570) 888-6092. Persons can also visit the Kirby Band web page www.kirbyband.com.