First Attempt.

          This is the first of many band newsletters.  I will try to give a bit of history, a little biographical information on current members with the help of Gerry Stout, and upcoming schedules.  If there is anything that you want to see in the newsletter, please let me know.  I have a few ideas; I am always looking for more.  This is my first attempt at writing a newsletter of any kind.  I am always open for suggestions on improvements.

Article 1.

A Bit of  History.

The community band of Bloomington was started in 1978 due to the efforts of Gary Wiggins, then President of the Bloomington Jaycees.  The Jaycees received a $350 grant from the Indiana Arts Commission to start the community band.

Does anyone know who is considered the “Father of the American Band”?

Article 2.

With Sadness.

        Our band suffered a great loss this January with the passing of Newell Long, our first conductor.  Here are some highlights from his teaching/musical career. Newell  received degrees in math, physics and music composition as well as a masters in music education and a doctorate in education.  In teaching at the secondary school level, he taught math and ran the band and orchestral programs.  While at Indiana University he taught 36 courses including trombone and composition.  By the way, of the 86 pieces he composed, twenty-six have been published.  As a student in college, Newell formed a jazz band to play at the Indiana Theatre between features.  He joined the IU School of Music in 1935 and retired from administrative duties in 1970, but did not retire from performing at IU.  Newell continued to play for alumni functions.

Awards which he received through the years were:

1969                              Distinguished Service Award, Indiana Bandmaster’s Association

1977                              Phi Beta Mu National Bandmasters Hall of Fame

1985                              Hoosier Musician of the Year, Indiana Music Educators Association

The Herald-Times wrote an excellent article.  He will be missed.

Article 3.

Biographical Sketches.

          Gerry Stout is compiling a file with biographical information on the members of the band including pictures.  He and I will be taking pictures of band members throughout this band season.  We would like everyone to participate in order to create a history of  band members.

Article 4.

New Members.

          We had 3 new members in the month of January.  They were Ken “Jake” Wonder, James Crisser, and James Carlberg.  We welcome them.

Comments and/or suggestions: