History conference covers a wide range of topics

By JENNIFER BRUMMETT
Staff Writer

This year's Conference on American Band History features a wide variety of topics, ranging from John Philip Sousa to Custer's Seventh Cavalry Band.

Program chair Frank Cipolla, professor emeritus of the State University of New York-Buffalo, said the 10th band history conference this year sticks to the basic criteria that the day-long event should be "both informative and entertaining."

"That is uppermost in our minds as (festival organizer) George Foreman and I put the conference together," Cipolla explained. "And the presenters we bring to Danville get caught up in that same spirit and always leave with a sense of having participated in a most worthy venture. It has been a great 10 years."

Cipolla says the conference has been well-received since its inception in 1992, when Foreman asked him to put together a seminar.

"Usually we have a specific theme, but this time around we decided to have a wider range of topics.

Cipolla will begin the conference with an overview of the day's schedule. Paul Bierley then will give his paper on the national march, "The Stars and Stripes Forever," Cipolla said.

"Paul is recognized in this country and beyond as the foremost scholar of the life and works of John Philip Sousa."

The next paper stays with the subject of John Philip Sousa, with Charles Conrad and his wife, Ann, presenting a performance and paper on soprano soloists with the Sousa Band, Cipolla noted.

"The Conrads have performed extensively together and in fact will be leaving right after (the GABBF) conference on a concert trip to Europe."

The next presentation addresses an obscure topic.

"Not many people probably remember the name Jullien, but after listening to John Graziano's paper, they will have an appreciation of who he was and his influence on 19th-century American bands," Cipolla explained.

"Jullien came to the United States in the 1850s. His flamboyant conducting style and mammoth concert presentations drew huge audiences and were the precursor for both Patrick Gilmore and John Philip Sousa."

Frederick Fennell returns to the conference this year with a paper titled "The Wind Ensemble and Its Players."

"This year marks the 50th anniversary of his founding of the Eastman Wind Ensemble, a concept in present day band performance that is now recognized and emulated worldwide," Cipolla said. "(Frederick) Fennell greatly values and appreciates the contact he has had with musicians around the world and he has agreed to share some of those experiences with us. It is an honor to once again include him as our guest."

A picnic and outdoor concert by Olde Towne Brass begins at 11:45 a.m.

The next paper, titled "Willow Grove Park Concerts: 1896-1925," will be given by Frederick P. Williams.

"Williams calls himself a historian/discographer. That is slightly misleading, for one must know that Fred probably has the largest and most comprehensive collection of band recordings of anyone in the world," Cipolla noted. "I wouldn't be surprised if his collection is even larger than that housed at the Library of Congress.

"Fred could probably fill the whole conference day himself with his knowledge of early band concerts and recordings, but I limited him to speaking about bands appearing at Willow Grove Park near Philadelphia. He will have many pictures and recordings for us to see and hear."

Raoul Camus has been a part of most of the band conferences. 

"He is a dedicated research scholar and this time will talk on band music and the dance," said Cipolla. "To demonstrate will be Renee Camus, his daughter, with partner John Montie."

Camus and Montie participated in the ragtime conference a few years ago. 

The final presentation will be by Stephen Charpié.

"Steve has performed many times at the festival, often with a group of outstanding professional musicians from Los Angeles. This time, he has researched the band of General George Custer and his legendary bandmaster, Felix Vinatieri.

"Steve has recreated the `7th Cavalry Brass Band' -- `Custer's Own.' He also has the original E-flat cornet that Vinatieri played, and some of their original music. Steve and the musicians he brings with him will leave the conference attendees clamoring for more, and they will get just that, for the group will also be performing on both Saturday and Sunday at the festival."

The Conference on American Band History is $35, which covers all materials and presentations as well as lunch and refreshments at the morning and afternoon breaks. Early registration is recommended. The conference begins at 9 a.m.

For more information, call Debra Hoskins at (859) 236-4692.