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 Memorium - 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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Wheaton, IL - Cantigny Park 50th Anniversary - Lincoln Bicentennial Kickoff Event
Cantigny Park is the home of the McCormick Museum and the 1st Division Museum as well as being a beautiful park. (with lots of military tanks) We presented an historical program with locals Max and Donna Daniels as President and Mary Todd Lincoln. The highlight of the concert was the premier of the "Mary Lincoln Polka", composed by Francis Scala. A fine kickoff to the upcoming Lincoln Bicentennial year.
Oshkosh, WI - "The Tsar and the President" exhibit opening at the Oshkosh Public Museum
Oshkosh is the first museum to showcase this brand new exhibit - "The Tsar and the President, Alexander II and Abraham Lincoln: Liberator and Emancipator" - the efforts of the American-Russian Cultural Cooperation Foundation. The exhibit features many artifacts not only of President Lincoln from the Library of Congress and the Ford's Theater Museum, but of Alexander II from the museums and collections of Russia. An amazing collection of artifacts comparing and contrasting the two leaders. Alexander II liberated the serfs of Russia and set in motion many reforms in terms of law and judicial reforms. Sadly, he was also assassinated just before signing a new Constitution that might have changed Russian history. The band played for the ceremonies that opened the exhibit which included the Russian Hymn. Also participating were the Sons of Union Veterans. Others in attendance included Representative Petri, James Symington and Alexander Potemkin of the American-Russian Cultural Cooperation Foundation, and Dr. Evgeny Lunacharskiy, the Deputy Director of the Russian State Archive. Truly a worthwhile trip to see some amazing artifacts.
Madison, WI - Immanuel Lutheran Church Worship Service and Historical Program
The morning began with worship. The service featured the talents of members Pastor Chuck Werth and his wife Ruth. Part of the service was "A Soldier's Faith", the story through letters of Adam Muenzenberger of the 26th Wisconsin. The 26th was largely made up of German immigrants. Adam's letters survive, as do his wife Barbara's, and they tell a soldier's story through 1863, when Adam was taken prisoner at Gettysburg, and died a prisoner of war. The afternoon concert featured our historical sequence of Cordelia Harvey, the "Wisconsin Angel", who by petitioning President Lincoln himself, was able to get hospitals established in Wisconsin for the sick and wounded soldiers. Immanuel Lutheran church stands right across the street from the original site of Harvey hospital, the first one established. It was originally the mansion of Governor Farwell, built in 1854. After the war, it became an orphanage, and then a seminary. Sadly, it was torn down in 1895. Still, it was wonderful to perform on the original site. We included some opera, and a little Stonewall Jackson for good measure on a lovely day with a large crowd in attendance.
Watertown, WI - Annual Octagon House Ice Cream Social
The folks at the Octagon House managed to order the most perfect weather for our yearly Ice Cream Social Performance this year. As a result there were probably half again as many in the crowd than usual; and the crowds are always large at this event. Hope they had enough ice cream to go around! (They usually do) As the Watertown audience has seen us numerous times, we usually try to do something new, and today we brought out not one but two new sequences. The first by historian Ed Pierce was "Wisconsin Heroes", which featured stories about Carl Shurz, Arthur MacArthur, Old Abe the Battle Eagle, Alonzo Cushing, the Iron Brigade, and the chief musician of the original 1st Brigade Band Edwin Oscar Kimberly. Next was a sequence by member Genia Allard about the song "Honor to Our Soldiers", which was the tune actress Laura Keene never got to sing to Abraham Lincoln at Ford's theatre on the night he was assassinated. An extra treat was the drum that they discovered in the basement of the house that was presented to us at the start of the show. A fine, restorable barrel bass drum - we certainly will use it and are extremely grateful for the gift.
Eagle, WI - Old World Wisconsin Outdoor Museum - 1860 Walworth County Fair
Another fine day - when we did this event last year it was cold and rainy - - unusual even in Wisconsin - today was almost perfect. The folks at Old World know how to put on an historic event. The fair featured many crop and animal exhibits, as well as manual and professional skills. Young folks in the crowd participated in the Declamation Contest. Of course, our part was the band contest, and the band was divided into two contemporary town bands - the local Palmyra Town Band, and the Brodhead Brass band. The Palmyra band was attired formally with bell-up, circular and bell-front instruments, while the Brodhead band sported a more military look with all Over-the-shoulder instruments. Both bands performed well and earned accolades from the crowd. The judging came out as a tie, however the crowd favored the visiting Brodhead band by a small margin. An enjoyable and well presented event - we hope to do a repeat performance next year!
Freeport, IL - Lincoln Douglas Debate Sesquicentennial
The original Brodhead Brass band played for the Freeport Debate in 1858, and this is the band we portrayed for this Sesquicentennial celebration. The day opened with a fine parade, and afterwards we played at Debate Square prior to the actual debate. A large crowd was in attendance, and enjoyed the participants immensely. The evening was capped off by a grand Ball, and everyone was there to dance. It was a great time, with many dances taught to the large, willing crowd. They all stayed to the last, and we had a great time. A great event, well done and well-attended.
Stoughton, WI - City Hall Opera House Concert Series
Once again, we return to the beautiful, restored Stoughton Opera House. The fare for the evening was Wisconsin Heroes, and the Women of Gettysburg. Of course, there were a few shenanigans in between, especially by our Snake Oil salesman with his demonstration of Retro-phrenology on an unwitting audience member. Some Goober Peas were sung (they actually remembered it pretty well), and the program closed with some opera and patriotic aires. As always, a wonderful place to perform.
Quincy, IL - Lincoln Douglas Debate Sesquicentennial
Our second Lincoln Douglas Debate of the year took place in Quincy. The band has not been to Quincy in many years, so the trip was much anticipated. As in Freeport, earlier this summer, the focus was the Reunion Tour of the Debates. Our weekend was a bit fuller this time, however, with a couple of parades, a worship service, and plenty of playing in the park for huge crowds in our town band persona. We even played for the postponed fireworks celebration Saturday night - postponed as a lot of ones in our area were - because of flooding this summer. All went splendidly, and we hope to return again soon.
Racine, WI - 21st Annual Harvest Ball
Another Ball here and gone - one of our most successful on record. About 200 dancers participated in this year's festivities, which as usual included lots of food, fun and prizes. Among old favorites like the Virginia Reel, the Bird Island Schottische, and Waves of Tory, there were also a few more difficult ones, such as the Circassian Circle and the Dashing White Sergeant. It's great to see that many people doing well-coordinated dances on a large dance floor. (Looks great from the balcony and side galleries, as many found out) As usual, most everyone stayed until the end, and we all appreciate the fine energy and spirit that accompanied it. Hope to see all of you next year!
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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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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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