Foreman steps down as Advocate Band director

By BRENDA S. EDWARDS
brenda@amnews.com

George Foreman, who has been director of The Advocate-Messenger Brass Band since its inception in 1987, has announced his retirement.

In a letter to the band members, Foreman expressed disappointment in a decision that would limit the band to activities that support its stated mission.

The mission states, "The purpose of the Advocate Brass Band is to provide free entertainment and cultural and educational enrichment for residents in Danville and the surrounding communities."

The band has traveled on both domestic and international concert tours, the funding for which is no longer available. In a five-year plan, Foreman had submitted an annual budget of between $35,000 and $40,000.

Future plans instead call for the Advocate band to adopt a local focus, said Scott C. Schurz Jr., editor and publisher of The Advocate, which might include such activities as working with local schools and holding concerts outside of Danville but within the five-county area.

"We appreciate all of George's contributions to The Advocate Brass Band today and wish him well in his future endeavors," Schurz said. "We are excited to continue to provide The Advocate band, which our community can be proud of," he said.

The band committee is currently working on a strategic plan and new vision.

Schurz also said The Advocate will continue to support the Great American Brass Band Festival.

Other reasons

Foreman had other reasons for his resignation. He said scheduling practice sessions has become a problem because many of the band members live outside the area, and the only rehearsal space at the Norton Center for the Arts is in the Newlin Hall foyer.

He said time also has become a problem in preparing new music, and that means playing the same pieces over and over in concerts.

Foreman noted that Vince DiMartino, the lead trumpeter, is on sabbatical this fall and a few of his students are studying abroad, which takes most of the cornet section. Foreman also will be in London next spring and not be available for band concerts.

"So, this just seems like a good time for me to leave the band and devote more time to research and completing several projects that are on the table begging for attention," Foreman stated in the letter.

"My newspaper march book, for example, has been about 95 percent finished for four years. I look forward to having more time to work on it."

Foreman said he might be involved in the band festival.

More than 150 concerts

During his tenure as director, Foreman has led the band in more than 150 concerts and has recorded and produced six compact disc recordings. The band has traveled to Washington, D.C., and New Orleans for performances, and has made international tours with concerts in nine foreign countries.

"Most importantly, the band has been a source of enjoyment and learning for its members and for the thousands of people who have attended our concerts and listened to our recordings," Foreman said in the letter.

Foreman could not be reached for comment.

Copyright  The Advocate-Messenger 2006
This article was published in the Aug. 30, 2006 Advocate-Messenger. 

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