Brazil Band to salute Van Buren High School

Thursday, August 11, 2016

The Brazil Concert Band, under the direction of Matthew S. Huber, will present "Hoosier Band: Blue Devils and Broadway" Sunday, Aug. 14 at Forest Park, rain or clear.

During this week's 8 p.m. concert, the band will recognize graduates of the former Van Buren High School at Harmony, the Blue Devils, with their school song and several Broadway favorites.

BCB trombonist Ersel "Buz" Burgess served as band director and later as principal at Van Buren.

Burgess served as director of the Brazil Concert Band for nine years during his tenure at Van Buren.

In recognition of the Summer Olympics, the BCB will perform "Hino Nacional Brasileiro" (The Brazilian National Anthem) by Francisco da Silva.

The Jackson Township Community Band performed this anthem for the dedication of the fountain in Forest Park, a gift from the nation of Brazil, 60 years ago.

Music for the Indiana Bicentennial includes "March Of The Prophets" by Fred Jewell and "The Klaxon" inspired by the Klaxon automobile horn made in Anderson in a march by Henry Fillmore.

Jewell and Fillmore had a friendly rivalry as each directed Shrine bands. Jewell led the Murat Temple Band of Indianapolis and Fillmore led the Syrian Shrine Band of Cincinnati.

From Broadway, the BCB offers "Fiddler On The Roof" arranged by John Warrington, "Oklahoma" arranged by Erik Leidzen, "Do You Hear The People Sing?" from "Les Miserables", arranged by Warren Barker and from "The Lion King" arranged by Calvin Custer "Hakuna Matata" and "I Just Can't Wait To Be King."

Finally, "The Beau Ideal" by J. P. Sousa, "St. Louis Blues" by W.C. Handy and "Smile Darn Ya, Smile" arranged by Max Jones.

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