Illinois Brass Band Honored with House Resolution
Saturday, June 11, 2016 was a very special day for the thirty members of The Illinois Brass Band and the many band alumni as they were honored by House Resolution 824 declaring Illinois Brass Band day in the state of Illinois.
The resolution, sponsored by Steve Anderson, state representative of the 65th district and David Harris, state representative of the 53rd district, 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 Representatives Anderson and Harris made the presentation of the House Resolution to the band.
Music Director Stephen Squires shared the podium responsibilities with Bruce Briney, Colin Holman, Peter Lipari and Ryan Nelson who all have served as past music directors with the band.
The performance featured many works which were significant to the band from the earlier years. The performance also included a piece commissioned by the band for this occasion and its world premiere of "Fanfare of Commemoration" by British composer Andrew Wainwright, Artistic Advisor to the Illinois Brass Band.
When asked recently to comment on his association with The Illinois Brass Band, Music Director Stephen Squires remarked, "My association with the IBB has been long and fruitful, and one of which I am most proud. I am grateful for all of 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."
The Illinois Brass Band, a British style brass band, was organized in early 1991 by Mr. George Foster and Mr. William Homer after a U.S. tour of the famed Desford Colliery Caterpillar Band of the United Kingdom. Mr. Foster and Mr. Homer attended a concert on this tour and were so impressed that they decided to organize a band in the British brass band style. The Boosey and Hawkes Instrument Company, then located in Libertyville, IL, provided early sponsorship of The Illinois Brass Band.
The Illinois Brass Band is an all-volunteer group dedicated to bringing the finest brass band music to audiences throughout the area. The Illinois Brass Band is an IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt and Illinois non-profit corporation and is supported in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Please visit illinoisbrassband.org for more information.