Latest Performances and Events
Latest Performances and Events
Announcements!
Heritage Military Music Foundation is awarded Wisconsin Historical Society's
Rueben Gold Thwaites Trophy for Local History
The Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy is presented annually to one affiliated historical society for continued excellence for its overall service to its community over a period of at least five years. A society selected to receive the Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy must demonstrate the excellence of its achievements in both collecting and preserving history and sharing history with the public. The impact of a society's overall services on its own community is a major component used in evaluating nominations for the Reuben Gold Thwaites Trophy.
In Memoriam - HMMF and 1st Brigade Band
founder Fred Benkovic (January 31, 1924 - June 7, 2009)
Heritage Military Music Foundation Announces Assistant Bandmaster Appointment
Press Release
Jon Condon assumes bandmaster position, and other management changes:
Press Release
Our 40th Anniversary! Events Page Here
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MAJOR DONATION to Heritage Military Music Foundation!
Press Release
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Documentary about the band - and film festival award
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IMAX 3-D movie in which the band participated comes to DVD!
"Mark Twain's America"
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Memorial in Art - main street mural in Watertown
featuring the 1st Brigade Band
1st Brigade Band
logo-wear - t-shirts, sweatshirts, mouse pads now available
HERE
Our newest
antique instrument acquisitions
HMMF Antique
Instrument Display in the Kwapil Memorial Library (below)
Heritage Military Music Foundation owns or has on loan over 200 antique instruments, and a semi-permanent display has been set up with about 40% of the collection in the Kwapil Memorial Library in Heritage Hall. The instruments are mainly grouped by family or configuration on the walls and tables of the library. Some unusual and historical non-period instruments are also featured. The library houses band archives, photos, and other media. The Kwapil Civil War book collection is on permanent display as well. The room is open by appointment, and has benefited from the recent bequest from the Peterson Foundation by receiving full fire and theft protection.
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Madison, WI - Wisconsin Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Press Conference and Reception
A small group of the Band participated in the opening press conference for Wisconsin's Lincoln Bicentennial celebrations. The Wisconsin Lincoln Bicentennial Commission was formed by executive order last year, and its purpose is to study, recommend, educate and assist in events throughout the state which will celebrate the legacy of Abraham Lincoln. The event took place in the Governor's conference room at the Capitol, and involved all of the Commission members, who were taking part in this and historical events at the Wisconsin Veteran's Museum that day. The Band's own Jim Hoyt is a member of the Commission and part of the Events Committee. Commission chair John Skilling gave the opening address, followed by Governor Doyle who spoke of Lincoln's legacy in the Badger state. Also unveiled were facsimiles of the information boards that will be installed at state rest areas. Lincoln not only was in Wisconsin during the Blackhawk War, but gave an address at the 1859 Wisconsin State Fair, which was one of his only prominent non-political speeches. The Band provided music before and after the press conference, and garnered much attention afterwards from the participants and Governor Doyle.
In the evening, the Commission, historians, and band repaired to the Governor's mansion for a reception to cap the day. Music preceded the program. Commission members and authors spoke; Governor Doyle made a few remarks, and Jim Hoyt introdued the 1st Brigade Band's Ed Pierce, who gave a short history of the Band's ties to Lincoln. We played a few more numbers, chatted with the guests, and adjourned for a few pictures in the lovely mansion.
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Watertown, WI - National Guard Send-Off Event
More than 600 people, including a small contingent from the 1st Brigade Band, gathered at Watertown High School on February17th as part of a special ceremony in honor of local National Guard soldiers who are leaving to serve in Iraq. They are Watertown's Troop B, 1st Squadron, 105th Cavalry, of the 3,500 Wisconsin soldiers of Wisconsin's 32nd Brigade Combat Team that are called to active duty. They will be on a 10-month tour of duty in Iraq in the largest call-up of Wisconsin troops since WWII, and will return in early 2010. They will leave for Fort Bliss where they will train for two months and then be deployed. The soldiers rode from the armory to the High School through a sea of flags. Since this unit descends from the first Watertown active unit, the Watertown Rifle Company, formed in 1851, our participation was timely. The band had the honor of performing an 1954 version of the Star-Spangled Banner for the assembled, and later to accompany the dinner that followed the remarks from area Veterans and officials. We hope to play again for all of them when they return.
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Monticello, WI - Monticello Area Historical Society Exhibit Opening
Everyone was treated to a wonderful weekend for the opening of the Monticello Historical Society's opening of "Jim Town", an exhibit about the local commercial center that developed around the railroads that came by the village. We paraded from the re-enactment camp to the concert site in the park, bringing the crowd with us. The band performed a sequence about Cordelia Harvey, Lincoln and his favorite tune, and Wisconsin heroes. A tenor horn solo, and some vocal "showing off" rounded out the program for the large and appreciative audience.
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Milwaukee, WI - Clement J. Zablocki Medical Center - "Reclaiming Our Heritage"
The "Reclaiming Our Heritage" Event at the VA Medical Center in Milwaukee is always one of the most patriotic and historic that the band does. From the "Perfectly Patriotic Parade" to the demonstrations, re-enactor camps, street dance, and cemetery tours, it is a weekend well spent. The military eras cover 17th through 21st century. The band paraded, then performed an historical program of Wisconsin soldiers and heroes, and finished with a street dance in the evening on Saturday. A fine, free event that should not be missed. Thanks to Mike Morbeck and Doug Hayes for additional photographs.
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Pewaukee, WI - Christ Lutheran Church Independance Day Family Ice Cream Social
The day started with the annual Watertown Independence Day Parade in the morning. In the evening, the band performed at Christ Lutheran Church in Pewaukee for the annual Ice Cream Social. The church stands on one of the highest points in the area; perfect for viewing fireworks from a number of Milwaukee area communities. The evening was pleasant, and the crowd appreciative. Thanks to David Ridgley for the photos of the concert.
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Madison, WI - Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration
Friday night, the band participated in Channel 3's 'Live at Five' broadcast, detailing the events to be held the following day at Camp Randall. No, not the football field, but the memorial park - originally a Civil War training camp. 70,000 men made their way to the front via Camp Randall between 1862 and 1865. The ceremony involved a number of historical figures, including Justice Luther Swift Dixon, Governor Alexander Randall, Cordelia Harvey, and President and Mrs. Abraham Lincoln. A new historical marker was unveiled to be placed in Camp Randall by the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission of Wisconsin explaining Lincoln's role as Commander-in-Chief relative to Civil War training camps. Governor Doyle spoke of Lincoln's Wisconsin legacy. The Sons of Union Veterans spoke of restoring the carriages on the cannon on the grounds. The band played during the proceedings for a crowd numbering about 500 on a beautiful day. The ceremony may be viewed at WisconsinEye under Video on Demand as "Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration" for 07.25.09
In the evening, the band performed at the Memorial Union Theater. Max and Donna Daniels again appeared as Abraham and Mary Lincoln in the band's historical sequence "Springfield to Springfield"; detailing the times and events from Springfield, Illinois in 1861 to the funeral train's return there in 1865. In addition, we performed 'Martyr of Liberty', written after Lincoln's death, and 'Honor to Our Soldiers', written for Lincoln and due to be performed at the theater the night of the assassination. The program continued with 'Wisconsin Heroes', ending with the rousing 'Hamilton's Badger Boys'! A fine end to a day of celebrating Abraham Lincoln.
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Watertown, WI - Octagon House Ice Cream Social
The morning began with a worship service at Immanual Lutheran Church in Watertown. Bandmaster Condon had the honor of giving the children's lesson on music. Not often have we had to give up playing at the Octagon House itself, but the heat and rain chance said otherwise this year. At Watertown High School, the show went on. Early in the program, we recognized instrument donors, and showed off the bass drum that we received at the concert last year - now restored. The presentation of the Rueben Gold Thwaites Trophy for Local History took place as well. It is quite an honor to receive this historical affiliate award, which recognizes excellence in local history preservation and the presentation of that history to the community. The program continued with a sequence on the evolution of our nation's flag, and some Stephen Foster tunes. After a little 'showing off', we sent everyone out to enjoy a last round of ice cream and cake. Till next year!
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Eagle, WI - Old World Wisconsin Lincoln Bicentennial Concert
Old World Wisconsin is a large living history site in southern Wisconsin. This night, rather that playing in the historical area, we performed on the large green at the site entrance. In front of several hundred people, we presented a Lincoln Bicentennial concert with our good friends Max and Donna Daniels as Abraham and Mary Lincoln. Old World set out dozens of oil lamps, and the effect was wonderful and old-fashioned. In addition, there was some 'showing off' and some 'snake oil' as well. In spite of some cool and damp weather, the crowd stayed for the balance of the program, though the beverage of choice was probably hot coffee for most of the evening. It was certainly a wonderful place to perform and an ideal concert site. The band then retired to the Clausing barn for some after-concert refreshment in honor of Max and Donna's 25th wedding anniversary.
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Waterloo, WI - Sesquicentennial Celebration
The morning began with a worship service at the park in Waterloo. Members Chuck and Ruth Werth performed the sequence 'A Soldier's Faith' with the letters of Adam and Barbara Muenzenberger exchanged during Adam's service with the 24th Wisconsin. The afternoon program included demonstrations and drill by Company K of the 2nd Wisconsin Infantry. Inspection was made by President Lincoln, and the mayor of Waterloo. The band continued with 'The Glory of Old Glory' sequence, detailing the history of our flag. The program concluded with some selections of Stephen Foster, showcasing both vocal and instrumental 'showing off'.
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Waukesha, WI - 95th Convention of the Wisconsin Association of Mutual Insurance Companies
The band opened with a sequence on Cordelia Harvey, the 'Wisconsin Angel', and her mission to convince President Lincoln to allow the creation of northern military hospitals. The program continued with selections related to Lincoln; 'Honor to Our Soldiers', which was to have been performed the night Lincoln was assasinated, and 'The Martyr of Liberty', a posthumous dedication to the president. A little grand opera was performed, with the help of Miss Kate, and the program closed for the enthusiastic crowd of convention goers.
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Madison, WI - Rededication of Lincoln Statue on Bascom Hill
Atop Bascom Hill on the University of Wisconsin Campus sits a statue of Abraham Lincoln. The statue, a copy of the one in Lincoln's birthplace of Hodgenville, Kentucky, was dedicated 100 years ago for the sesquicentennial of Lincoln's birth. Recently, the statue got a cleaning courtesy of John Skilton, chairman of the Wisconsin Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, and Jim Hoyt, Commission member and 1st Brigade Band tuba player. A contingent of the band played for ceremonies marking the rededication. Chancellor Biddy Martin spoke about the Morrill Land Grant College Act signed by Lincoln in 1862, from which the UW benefitted, and Ron Knaus of the Sons of Union Veterans spoke of the plaque of the Gettysburg address placed by the organization on Bascom Hall in 1937.
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Janesville, WI - Sesquicentennial of Lincoln's Visit to Janesville
Abraham Lincoln visited Wisconsin in 1859, gave a number of speeches throughout the state, and after one such speech in Beloit, stayed overnight at the Tallman house in Janesville. When a servant misplaced his boots that night, he missed his train to Chicago, and instead went to church with the Tallmans. A special service was held this past weekend at that church commemorating the event, and the band participated in the worship service. The sermon was nicely history oriented, and Mr. Lincoln himself gave the children's lesson. After the service, the band paraded up the street to the Tallman house to give an afternoon performance. The program revolved around a sequence on the music and events of 1859. We showcased our instruments, as usual, with particular attention to one that we have had on loan from the Rock County Historical Society since the late 1960's. The Lincoln plaque was shown that will be displayed at the Tallman House, as one of many that will identify the locations associated with Lincoln in Wisconsin. We managed to get in under the rain, and the crowd was most appreciative of the program.
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Milwaukee, WI - Wisconsin Lincoln Commission Bicentennial Event
The Lincoln Bicentennial year closed here at the Milwaukee War Memorial Center, where a statue of Abraham Lincoln is placed, commemorating his address to the state agricultural society at the 1859 State Fair. A new plaque for the statue was dedicated by the Lincoln Bicentennial Commisson at this event, which included remarks by Judge Maxine White, County Executive Scott Walker, Mayor Tom Barret, and the commission's John Skilton. The 2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Association did color guard honors, and we presented several appropriate selections, among which were "We Are Coming Father Abraham", and "Honor to Our Soldiers". The keynote address was given by noted historian and Lincoln scholar Orville Vernon Burton. The plaque bears an excerpt of Lincoln's 1859 speech. A fine location to honor both Lincoln and our service men and women on Milwaukee's beautiful lakefront. Thanks to Amanda Bink for additional photos.
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Racine, WI - 22nd Annual Harvest Ball
Music and Dancing for the President's 200th birthday! The 22nd annual ball featured the Tall Man himself with his lovely First Lady; members Max and Donna Daniels. Besides cake there were plenty of other edible offerings enjoyed by the many guests in attendance. Starting with the Grand March and ending with a waltz, the Ball couldn't have been any better or more photogenic. Dancers danced to the last in the reels, jigs, polkas, schottisches, and social dances played by the band. Band members got in plenty of dancing too, and our playing guests had a great fun and bent lips. A great way to cap off the not only the performance year, but the Lincoln Bicentennial year as well.!!
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1st Brigade Band mural in Watertown
Watertown, Wisconsin is known for the historical murals that it decorates the walls of downtown buildings in. They commemorate business, agriculture, old advertising, and now one features the 1st Brigade Band. Painted on the side of the Century 21 Building at 4th and Main Streets, it features the band playing in marching formation. The slide show below shows the artist in action, Gail Towers MacAskill - pictures are shown as the work progresses. It was finished at the end of July, and we played for the dedication in October. Watertown will soon publish a book on its murals and the histories that inspired them - we'll keep you up to date. And we are certainly proud to be so honored in our adopted home town.
Click the photo above to see the step-by-step progression of the mural
Click the picture above for a large photo of the finished mural
(For you purists out there who realize that you don't hold an over-the-shoulder horn or period drum that way, the mural is done in reverse, like an old photo or tintype, to show off the instruments better from the vantage point just off of Main Street in Watertown, where it is located)
Well, the band has often supplied music for documentaries and other film projects, but this is the first time it has been the focus of one. A documentary about the 1st Brigade Band and its performance of original period music on original instruments is now finished. Dan Senn, a Watertown native - now of Washington; an instrumental artist, designer of experimental musical instruments, freelance film maker and owner of Newsense Intermedium, has filmed and has produced the documentary. His focus is the performance of historical music on the instruments that originally made it.
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He followed the band for much of the early summer of 2001 at performances, rehearsals, and social events to gain material. Interviews with many band members and friends of the band are featured. As a bonus, his son, Nick joined us as a Bb cornet player for several performances, and is now a band member. Titled "The Exquisite Risk of Civil War Brass", it delves into the use of antiques, music and costume to re-create music and sounds of a lost era, and also how the instruments and history influence and change the people involved. The documentary covers everything from period dress, horn and performance issues, manuscript music, and the life and times of the people who originated this music, as well as the actual collecting and preserving of music and horns. It aired on several Public Television stations throughout the US.
Dan recently entered the film in the da Vinci Film Festival, and it won the da Vinci Spirit Award - the film that most exemplifies da Vinci's philosophy on the relationship of art, science and technology. Congratulations Dan!! See the letter of congratulations HERE.
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In 1998, the band was privileged to participate in Stephen Low's 3-D IMAX movie, "Mark Twain's America". We re-created a period ball, with the help of many of our regular Harvest Ball participants, and re-enactor friends at the Wisconsin Club Ballroom in Milwaukee. Rather than a biography of Twain's life, the film showcases many of the ways we today celebrate Twain's life and times with modern celebrations, and re-creations of historical events and activities. Enjoy some screen shots of the band and dancers from the DVD.
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