Sometime in the mid 1960's, a big band was formed by the late Galen Wentworth. Over the years, Galen assembled a fine collection of dance music. He gained a good reputation throughout the north shore of Boston and landed steady work at the Danversport Yacht Club.
During the early 1970's Galen and Gerry Barrett met while both were teaching high school students in Beverly, Ma. Galen happened to need another trumpet player for his band and Gerry fit the bill. Galen and Gerry continued to work together until 1984 when Gerry decided to give up the horn and get a real job. They did not see each other again until the mid 1990's.
For some unexplained reason, Gerry picked up the phone and called to see how his old band leader was doing. It turned out, not so good. They meet one Saturday afternoon and spent about three hours together talking about old times. As they parted that afternoon, neither realized it would be the last time they would meet. Galen passed away two weeks later.
A year and a half later, Gerry purchased the book from Galen's wife, Jean. Now armed with a book, all he need were musicians. Hundreds of phone calls later, he had musicians and a place to practice.
The old Galen Wentworth Band was reincarnated in January of 2000 as The Gerry Barrett Swing Orchestra. Many of the players from Galen's original band were at that first rehearsal and are still with the band.
The library has expanded, the music a little more up to date and the faces have changed. However, it was Galen's passion and dedication which started this band and we hope, still lives on through him.