The band was formed in the later thirties. Its founder was Joseph Constantino. Rehearsal facilities shifted a few times at different locations in South Camden.
The band performed at most of the religious processions (honoring saints primarily) sponsored by Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church. The pastor was Father Monica who was succeeded by Father Mike Argullo. During the summer, the processions would be held on Sundays and many times also on Saturday. Each procession was a giant celebration that lasted all day and some weekends. Before the processions started the band would form at the church after the first mass and go up and down every street from South 2nd to South 5th Streets from Chestnut street to Mickle Street, covering most of the parish and finishing again at the church. The processions then started about 2:00 PM and went down South 4th street to Mickle, west to South 3rd, then south on South 3rd street all the way to Chestnut Street., then east to South 4th Street to go north to the church. The processions included many of the parishioners and the streets were lined two or three deep in a festive atmosphere. These lasted two or three hours.
Many games, food and entertainment were available. The entertainment was the Mucci Post band. A bandstand was set on the comer of the church at South 4th and Division streets. Sometimes if the occasion called for it, there would be two or three bands at opposite sides of the street. There might also be fireworks on the lots down by the river. The band performed at most of the cities parades and other functions. When there was no functions at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, the band would appear in many other functions throughout South Jersey, Atlantic City, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
The band was well rehearsed, practicing twice a week, as most of the young men had never played an instrument before. The band played many arias from operas, Italian popular songs and novelty numbers. There was no fooling around as the teacher, Mr. Constatino, was a strict disciplinarian. He also thought the boys to march and no sloppiness was tolerated anytime. The cost to the boys was 50 cents a month each. If brothers were involved, there would be a discount. He taught theory as well as the instruments. All the boys involved became well rounded musicians. Mr. Constatino was assisted by a few men from the old country including Mike Vitali and Danny DiAmbrosio, who was Mr. Constantino’s son-in-law.
Unfortunately, when the war started most of the boys went into the service and the band dissolved. During service time, many had good and bad experiences… the Normandy invasion, the liberation of Paris, V2 rockets, being torpedoed, etc.
Some of the band members were Herman Seri, Nick Del Bono, Tony, Fred and Mauro DiFrank, Viviani, Frank Puzzitelli, Frank Tiberi, Raz Marcozzi, Pat Rovere, etc.
After the Mucci Post band broke up, Joseph Constantino’s son-in-law, Danny DiAmbrosio with his father in law’s assistance started a new band in the late forties. Some returning veterans joined the band and helped the new kids. The functions were the same as the earlier band. But then the Korean War started and most of that band also went into the service.
Anthony “Nino” Marcozzi Sr., May 2014
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