by Bea Peterson
Last Wednesday evening, July 14, the Hoosick Skating Rink reverberated with the sounds of the 50 member Town of Hoosick band, plus nine guests. The special concert honored H. Bradford (Brad) Cole, Sr., a beloved music teacher at HFCS for 14 years who passed away 50 years ago at the age of 44. At the time of his death a scholarship was established in his name. Recently the scholarship fund was depleted, then supplemented for the short term. The concert was held to add to the fund so that two $100 awards can be made annually.
Performing with the band were three of Cole’s children, Virginia Cole Taylor from Arlington, VA, played oboe, Starr Cole from Hadley, NY, played trombone and Karen Cole Sovak of Winsted, CT, played saxophone. Their brother, Fred Cole, from Rotterdam, NY, photographed the event. Other former Cole students picked up instruments they hadn’t played in years to be part of the anniversary concert. John Helft, who hadn’t played his saxophone in 25 years, took some refresher lessons from Bill Cottrell so he could participate.
Band member Carol Gaillard said one of the best parts of the event was getting to know the Cole family. Bill Gaillard was the second music teacher at HFCS after Cole’s death.
Many of the 350 people at the concert knew Brad Cole. A good many of them had him for a teacher and went to school with the children. Many people reminisced with the family. Fred Cole was eight years when his father died. He told Bill Gaillard, “I never got to know my Dad until now.”
Eleven hundred and forty dollars was raised at the concert for the scholarship fund. Gaillard said they have some additional money, but they are shy of the $5,000 they would like to have. Donations to the H. Bradford Cole, Sr. scholarship fund can be sent to Bill Gaillard, 662 Wilson Hill Rd., Hoosick Falls, NY, 12090.
