This year is the Libertyville Village Band's 40th Anniversary!

Our summer concert series starts on June 22nd, 7:30p at the Rose Garden in downtown Libertyville, under the directorship of Corey Ames. Did you even know this wonderful group existed in your neighborhood? Your local summer band always plays novelty tunes, marches, Broadway show pieces, movie soundtrack pieces, and some classical concert pieces, entertaining the crowds at either the Cook Mansion Rose Garden, or the Butler Lake Band Shell for their annual pre-fireworks 4th of July Concert. See our calendar below to view the rehearsal and concert schedule. We invite all musicians (current or former) to play with us; no auditions required! We always strive to present a terrific show, because of the high quality & dedicated volunteer participants of LVB. Here are three band members you should get to know, who were "instrumental" in the formation of LVB 40 years ago:

Dick George moved to Libertyville in the 1970's, and had played for the now defunct Lake Forest Band, the Deerfield Band, and in the Northshore Concert Band for about 17 years. In 1977, he and a clarinetist friend (Terry Hatch) actually brought up the idea of a summer village band program with the Village Manager at that time (Allan Schertz), and they presented the proposal to the Village Board, where they were enthusiastically approved and funded with enough money to buy music, pay a director, and afford other startup costs! A local music teacher (Gail Benson) was the director that 1st season, but subsequently had to move to California. Dick started playing in band in the 4th grade in the late 1940's, starting with bass drum, then bass horn. Through the years he's also played trombone, ophicleide, baritone horn, and retired just recently from the euphonium section. He had a career as a mechanical engineer, having received his degree from the U of Iowa. He actually played in their marching band when the football team went to the Rose Bowl in 1957 and 1959, and was thrilled to play in the Rose Parades and in the half-time shows! Dick has never had a bad experience with any band. It's a privilege for him to play with like-minded people from many different walks of life and ages, to make the best music possible. After 40 years of service, the LVB will certainly miss this venerable musician! 

Barb Rudolph moved from Evanston to Libertyville back in 1977 and also started playing with LVB after reading about its genesis in a local paper. Her first experience playing for a female conductor was with LVB, and she was excited about that! She began playing oboe during freshman year in high school (57 years ago). Her HS band director gave her an oboe, a reed, and a beginner's book, and told her that only when she learned the fingering could she finally join the band. She used a practice room that was next to the school library for 30 minutes a day, and surely kept her classmates entertained with what must have sounded like squabbling ducks! Through the years, she's also played baritone sax, cornet, and piano. Barb attended the U. of Illinois and was fortunate to play in the orchestra that spent 4½ months touring Central and South America on a government sponsored goodwill tour. After graduation, she briefly taught school in Waukegan before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Subsequently, she was privileged to teach 5th grade at Hawthorn School and retired from there after over 25 years of service. She has wonderful memories of the summer of 1988 when most of her own children played together in the band with her. Her kids were proudly represented in the clarinet, flute, French horn, cornet, and Sousaphone sections. After concerts and/or rehearsals, they would often have a good-time family outing by going out for some ice cream treats. Barb's experiences with LVB have all been positive, and she loves the fact that everyone is welcome… just bring an instrument and get ready for a wonderful experience!

Dave Kublank started playing trumpet with LVB also in 1977, and occasionally played bass drum. He was asked to be director the 2nd year of the band's existence and did that for over 30 years. He is still a valued member, being the director emeritus for several years now, and leads the band with a few of his favorite pieces at every concert. He was in grade school when a music company wanted to start up a band program at his school. He told his parents he wanted to join and his dad gave him a "Silver Tone" trumpet that his dad had once played at Libertyville HS, from where Dave also graduated. The love of music came from his mother and father, and his children and grandchildren have been or are still in fine music programs. He was inspired by the band director at LHS (Mr. Chambers) to attend his alma mater (Eastern Illinois U.), where Dave similarly achieved his BS in Music. While at EIU, he played in the Concert and Marching Bands, as well as other musical groups. He became drum major in his junior and senior years, and actually choreographed a half-time show for the band in his senior year. He also achieved his Master of Music degree from DePaul U. in Chicago. He first started teaching beginning band at the Lake Bluff Schools, but after 8 years was asked to teach band music to the 4th through 8th graders at the Libertyville Grade Schools. He loved the younger students and enjoyed watching them grow as band members and young citizens, and retired from teaching after 29 years. During that time, he was also an assistant director at the College of Lake County where he assisted with the Wind Ensemble and helped to develop the Jazz Band program. Not only did Dave play trumpet, but he also sang barbershop harmony, and also in various choruses (singing along with his wife and greatest cheerleader of over 56 years, Lynn), and also directing his church choir for some 25 years. He remembers the band in the early days as not being as refined as they are today. He does not miss the hot rehearsal days in the Highland School band room. There were a few times the police would visit during rehearsal because someone wandered where they weren't supposed to and set off the alarm system. Sorting through the music folders and all the piles of music at the end of the season was never a good memory. On the other hand, the band trip to Germany and playing in a town square is a cherished experience, along with all the friendships he's formed because of music. Dave wants to thank the village and its citizens for their support of LVB for the past 40 years, but most of all the band members both past and present (young and not-so-young) for freely giving their time and talent to make the band bigger and better like it is today. Libertyville truly is a Town of Music!

LIBERTYVILLE VILLAGE BAND

40th ANNIVERSARY SEASON 2017 SUMMER SCHEDULE

Rehearsals are at the Libertyville High School band room

(708 W. Park Ave / Hwy. 176 at Dawes St)

Monday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00

JUNE

12 Monday Rehearsal - LHS, 7:00 PM

15 Thursday Rehearsal - LHS, 7:00 PM

19 Monday Rehearsal - LHS, 7:00 PM

22 Thursday Concert - Cook Park, 7:30 PM

26 Monday Rehearsal - LHS, 7:00 PM

29 Thursday Concert - Cook Park, 7:30 PM

JULY

04 Tuesday Concert - Butler Lake Band Shell, 7:30 - 9:15 PM

10 Monday Rehearsal - LHS, 7:00 PM

13 Thursday Concert - Cook Park, 7:30 PM

17 Monday Rehearsal - LHS, 7:00 PM

20 Thursday Concert - Cook Park, 7:30 PM

24 Monday Rehearsal - LHS, 7:00 PM

27 Thursday Concert - Cook Park, 7:30 PM

- Adult musicians as well as students 9th Grade or above are welcome.

- Band members must provide their own instruments (percussion too!)

- Remember to bring your own music stand to all concerts.

- Please be in your chair, ready to go, at least 10 minutes before concert time.

- Dress neatly, using band shirts (if you have them) or red shirts, long dark (preferably black) pants

and closed black shoes (no sandals).

- Call 312-593-7124 or 847-356-7865 for more information.

Corey Ames, Director, and Paul Schmidt, Manager

SPONSORED BY THE VILLAGE OF LIBERTYVILLE