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The Illinois Brass Band

founded 1991

Illinois Brass Band Season Begins With a Bang!

01 Oct 2014

The Illinois Brass Band will open their 2014 - 2015 season on Sunday, October 19, 2014, at 7:00 PM with a presentation of "An Evening With Sousa." The band's performance will be a Sousa era concert presenting pieces that were played on many of the US and world tours by the famed John Philip Sousa Band during its heyday of the early 20th century.

The concert will be fast paced and exciting, as were the original Sousa performances. Encores will be distributed throughout the concert in typical Sousa style. Selections of overtures, marches, instrumental and vocal solos, as well a patriotic sing-along will round out the evening's program.

Dr. Peter Griffin, Chairman of the Music Department of Elmhurst College will be the guest conductor and will be dressed as the March King himself, John Philip Sousa. Dr. Griffin previously held the position of director of the brass band at the University of Illinois and director of the Marching Illini prior to his appointment at Elmhurst College.

Co-Principal cornetist, Dr. Mark Ponzo, Professor of Trumpet at Northern Illinois University will perform the Herbert L. Clarke classic cornet solo "From the Shores of the Mighty Pacific." The featured vocal soloist for the evening will be Ms. Amy Keipert. Ms Keipert has appeared with the band on six previous occasions and will be featured during our holiday performances. She will perform "O Mio Babbino Caro" from Gianni Schicchi and lead the patriotic sing along.

Band member Joe Beribak will perform George Hamilton Green's virtuosic xylophone solo "The Whistler."

The evening's performance will take place in Palatines Historic Cutting Hall, 150 East Wood Street, Palatine, IL. Tickets are available through the Cutting Hall box office in advance or on the evening of the performance. Ticket prices are $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children and students 18 and under.

If you favor the music and marches of the Sousa era, you will not want to miss this concert!

The Illinois Brass Band is in its 23rd year of performing. It is a 501(c)(3) recognized organization and is supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Upcoming events

April 5-6, 2024

North American Brass Band Championship
Von Braun Center
Huntsville, AL

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NABBA Champions - 1996-98; 2000-2 Association of Concert Bands Illinois Arts Council
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

National Endowment for the Arts