Rehearsals to begin for Brazil Concert Band May 17

BRAZIL -- The Brazil Concert Band, under the direction of Matthew S. Huber, will strike up the season May 17 with rehearsal at the Northview High School band room at 7 p.m.

The second rehearsal will be at Northview at 7 p.m. May 24 and for the rest of the season at Forest Park.

The first concert is set for 8 p.m. June 5 at Forest Park, rain or shine, and continues each Sunday through Aug. 28.

The opening show will honor the late Jim Dressler, former Brazil Times editor, with "Seen and Heard," which was Dressler's trademark column.

Special concerts will take place in Greencastle on July 5, Fairbanks Park in Terre Haute on July 16 and the Scottish Rite in Terre Haute Nov. 20.

The 75-member BCB welcomes new musicians to join. Requirements include self-ownership of a band instrument and commitment to the band's schedule. New musicians need to be at least middle school graduates.

All area high school, college and adult instrumentalists are invited to join the 154th season of one of America's oldest community bands. The Brazil Concert Band was established in 1858 and played for the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. Its otiginal bandsmen all served in the Civil War.

In 2006, the BCB earned the Sudler Silver Scroll from the John Philip Sousa Foundation for its long history and musical excellence.

The band has recorded two CDs of music by Indiana's own Fred Jewell who served in the band in 1902.

The BCB has performed in Washington, D.C., Disney World, New Orleans, New York City, Wisconsin Dells and Memphis.

Concert-goers will enjoy the 200 new benches gracing the Forest Park bandshell. The bandshell also sports a new look with the addition of an awning.

For more information, people can contact Director Matt Huber, 812-448-3420, or go to the web page brazilconcertband.org.