Saturday, June 11th, 2016 was certainly a very special day for the 30 members of Illinois Brass Band and their many alumni, as they were honoured by House Resolution 824 declaring it 'Illinois Brass Band Day' in the state of Illinois.
Resolution
The resolution was sponsored by Steve Anderson, State Representative of the 65th District, and David Harris, State Representative of the 53rd District, and coincided with the band's 25th anniversary concert.
A near capacity crowd filled the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights as Reps. Anderson and Harris made the presentation of the House Resolution to the band.
New commission
Music Director Stephen Squires shared the podium responsibilities with Bruce Briney, Colin Holman, Peter Lipari and Ryan Nelson — all past MDs and the concert featured many works which were significant to the band from its earlier years.
The musical highlight though was a new commission for the occasion, entitled, 'Fanfare of Commemoration' by British composer Andrew Wainwright, the band's Artistic Advisor.
Long and fruitful
Music Director Stephen Squires told 4BR: "My association with the band has been long and fruitful, and one of which I'm most proud.
I'm grateful to the current players, as well as the former players and Music Directors who have so thoughtfully tended to this wonderful tradition, and so beautifully contributed to its musical and organizational health."
I'm grateful to the current players, as well as the former players and Music Directors who have so thoughtfully tended to this wonderful tradition and so beautifully contributed to its musical and organizational healthStephen Squires
Desford inspired
The Illinois Brass Band was formed in early 1991 by George Foster and William Homer after an inspirational US tour by Desford Colliery Band.
George and William attended a concert and were so impressed that they decided to form the band with help of Boosey & Hawkes, then located in nearby Libertyville.
Tax exempt
The band is an all-volunteer group dedicated to bringing the finest brass band music to audiences throughout the area and is an IRS 501(c) (3) tax exempt and Illinois non-profit corporation supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
