The Kirby Band is believed to be the second oldest band in the nation. There had been bands in Nichols, NY since the Tutton Band began in 1829.  From 1863 to 1876, there was only a fife and drum corps.  In 1876, J W Peckett formed the Nichols concert band.  A. B. Kirby was one of the original members and took over as leader in 1879. He remained the leader of the group until he was 87 years old. In 1907 the name of the band was changed to The Kirby Band. Kirby died in 1949 at the age of 92.