Eau Claire Municipal Band
Encyclopedia
The Eau Claire Municipal Band of Eau Claire
, Wisconsin
presents free family-oriented programming throughout the summer at the Sarge Boyd Bandshell
in Owen Park
. Seating is provided but some concertgoers prefer to bring their own. In the event of rain, performances are held at the Eau Claire Masonic Center
on Graham Avenue. In addition to its regular Thursday evening schedule, the band provides music for the Fourth of July Family Fair at the Chippewa Valley Museum in Carson Park.
While the Municipal Band specializes in patriotic music and marches, its extensive library also includes show tunes, TV/movie themes, light classical, contemporary, and novelty pieces. A typical concert begins with a flag-raising ceremony while a prominent local singer or group of singers leads the audience in the national anthem. Concerts are emceed by someone who delivers a short descriptive narration about each selection. In addition, features such as a variety of vocalists, a sing-a-long, a classic car show, an art or photo exhibit, a clown, or a juggling act might be incorporated into the program.
The final concert of the season is a tribute to Hezzy Kappus, who played tuba with the Municipal Band for over six decades. It is completely funded by his daughters, Sally Kappus, Susan Kappus Zila, and DellAnn Kappus Sathe.
to perform. Originally called Bock’s Boys Band, it became the Eau Claire Boys Band in 1904 after Bock and Wentworth parted ways. When the boys reached adulthood, the group renamed itself Wisconsin State Band-Eau Claire. In the late 1910s and early 1920s it became known as the Liberty Band and in 1927 received its present appellation.
In 1931, as the result of a referendum, an ordinance was adopted that required the City to financially support it to the tune of $6,500 per year. In 1974 that ordinance was repealed by the City Council, but the City continued its role as primary benefactor. In 2008, due to drastic budget cuts by the City, the band was forced to seek economic assistance from a variety of sources and, in order to do so, became a 501(c)(3) organization. Since 2010, the City’s annual contribution has amounted to only $2,900 and the band has been charged a fee for use of the park and the bandshell.
Military Band over radio staion WLW
in Cincinnati. He was married to a Leinenkugel.
Theodore Steinmetz, known as the composer of the "32nd Division March", was the conductor when it was called the Liberty Band. He concurrently directed the 105th Cavalry Band and was the longest serving musician in the Wisconsin National Guard
at that time.
William C. Keller was a music store owner and violin teacher who later became the orchestra director at the University of Wisconsin-Superior
as well as the associate conductor for the Duluth Symphony Orchestra.
During Sarge Boyd
's 46-year tenure the band's concert series in Owen Park became a major summertime attraction, sometimes drawing crowds of 4,000.
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Eau Claire is a city located in the west-central part of the U.S. state of Wisconsin. The population was 65,883 as of the 2010 census, making it the largest municipality in the northwestern portion of the state, and the 9th largest in the state overall. It is the county seat of Eau Claire County,...
, Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
presents free family-oriented programming throughout the summer at the Sarge Boyd Bandshell
Sarge Boyd Bandshell
The Sarge Boyd Bandshell of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, as home to the city's oldest community musical organization, has played a significant role in the cultural development of the entire Chippewa Valley. The structure was designed by city engineer Alex Garnock for the purpose of showcasing the Eau...
in Owen Park
Owen Park (Eau Claire, Wisconsin)
Owen Park is an 11-acre parcel of land with numerous trees, benches, and historical signage that stretches along the west bank of the Chippewa River from Lake Street to Water Street...
. Seating is provided but some concertgoers prefer to bring their own. In the event of rain, performances are held at the Eau Claire Masonic Center
Eau Claire Masonic Center
The Eau Claire Masonic Center, also known as the Temple of Free Masonry, is a historic building at 616 Graham Avenue in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. It was built in 1927 in Classical Revival style and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.The building was designed by Edward J...
on Graham Avenue. In addition to its regular Thursday evening schedule, the band provides music for the Fourth of July Family Fair at the Chippewa Valley Museum in Carson Park.
While the Municipal Band specializes in patriotic music and marches, its extensive library also includes show tunes, TV/movie themes, light classical, contemporary, and novelty pieces. A typical concert begins with a flag-raising ceremony while a prominent local singer or group of singers leads the audience in the national anthem. Concerts are emceed by someone who delivers a short descriptive narration about each selection. In addition, features such as a variety of vocalists, a sing-a-long, a classic car show, an art or photo exhibit, a clown, or a juggling act might be incorporated into the program.
The final concert of the season is a tribute to Hezzy Kappus, who played tuba with the Municipal Band for over six decades. It is completely funded by his daughters, Sally Kappus, Susan Kappus Zila, and DellAnn Kappus Sathe.
Personnel
A semi-professional group with many of its members possessing, contemplating, or actively pursuing degrees in music, the Municipal Band is open to anyone, regardless of age, who can demonstrate ability to play the repertoire. Although most of the musicians live within a 50-mile radius of Eau Claire, it is not uncommon for former members currently residing elsewhere to return and participate in one or more concerts.History
The Eau Claire Municipal Band, the city's oldest community musical organization, was founded in 1902 when August William "Gus" Bock purchased musical instruments for his sons—Joe, Edward, James, and Leo—as well as other area boys. He hired Frank Wentworth to teach and conduct them while his role was that of manager and disciplinarian. The group achieved a certain amount of fame, sometimes travelling as far as Madison, WisconsinMadison, Wisconsin
Madison is the capital of the U.S. state of Wisconsin and the county seat of Dane County. It is also home to the University of Wisconsin–Madison....
to perform. Originally called Bock’s Boys Band, it became the Eau Claire Boys Band in 1904 after Bock and Wentworth parted ways. When the boys reached adulthood, the group renamed itself Wisconsin State Band-Eau Claire. In the late 1910s and early 1920s it became known as the Liberty Band and in 1927 received its present appellation.
In 1931, as the result of a referendum, an ordinance was adopted that required the City to financially support it to the tune of $6,500 per year. In 1974 that ordinance was repealed by the City Council, but the City continued its role as primary benefactor. In 2008, due to drastic budget cuts by the City, the band was forced to seek economic assistance from a variety of sources and, in order to do so, became a 501(c)(3) organization. Since 2010, the City’s annual contribution has amounted to only $2,900 and the band has been charged a fee for use of the park and the bandshell.
Leadership
In the current organizational structure, there is one conductor who answers to a board of directors elected by the members of the band.Conductors
Paul Liebau, a piano tuner and composer who grew up playing in Bock's Boys Band, was the leader when it was called the Wisconsin State Band-Eau Claire. Nearly all of his marches have been performed by the CrosleyCrosley
The Crosley was an automobile manufactured by the Crosley Corporation and later by Crosley Motors Incorporated in the United States from 1939 to 1952.-History:...
Military Band over radio staion WLW
WLW
WLW is a clear channel talk radio station located in Cincinnati, Ohio, run by Clear Channel Communications. The station broadcasts locally on 700 kHz AM...
in Cincinnati. He was married to a Leinenkugel.
Theodore Steinmetz, known as the composer of the "32nd Division March", was the conductor when it was called the Liberty Band. He concurrently directed the 105th Cavalry Band and was the longest serving musician in the Wisconsin National Guard
Wisconsin National Guard
The Wisconsin Army National Guard has dual state and federal roles, and is jointly funded and maintained by both governments. Its federal mission is to provide trained units to the United States Army in time of war or national emergency...
at that time.
William C. Keller was a music store owner and violin teacher who later became the orchestra director at the University of Wisconsin-Superior
University of Wisconsin-Superior
The University of Wisconsin–Superior is a public university located in Superior, Wisconsin. UW–Superior grants bachelor's, master's, and specialist's degrees...
as well as the associate conductor for the Duluth Symphony Orchestra.
During Sarge Boyd
Sarge Boyd
Donald I. "Sarge" Boyd, award-winning band director and teacher, was born in Wendell, Minnesota in 1901 and died in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on March 1, 1987....
's 46-year tenure the band's concert series in Owen Park became a major summertime attraction, sometimes drawing crowds of 4,000.
- 1902 - 19?? Francis "Frank" W. Wentworth
- 19?? - 1916 Paul Liebau
- 1916 - 1918 ?
- 1918 - 1919 William E. Steinberg
- 1919 - 192? Theodore A. Steinmetz
- 192? - 1930 ?
- 1931 - 1933 Louis Frank Altman
- 1934 - 1934 William C. Keller, Sr
- 1934 - 1980 Donald I. "Sarge" BoydSarge BoydDonald I. "Sarge" Boyd, award-winning band director and teacher, was born in Wendell, Minnesota in 1901 and died in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on March 1, 1987....
- 1981 - 1985 John Anderson
- 1986 - 2007 Craig Lehmeier
- 2008–present Brad Stoughton
Guest Conductors
- Harold "Hal" Edstrom (Co-Founder of Hal Leonard Publishing, the largest music publisher in the world)
- David L. Boyd (High School Music Director, Naperville, IL)
- Jeff Krauklis (Composer and Conductor of the LaCrosse Concert Band, LaCrosse, WI)
- Earl Heartt (Music Department Chair for the LaCrosse Public School District, LaCrosse, WI)
- Jim Gallagher (Arranger and Band Director at Arcadia Middle School, Arcadia, WI)
- Greg Harpke (Band Director at Fall Creek High School, Fall Creek, WI)
- Pamela Lehmeier (Band Director at Independence High School, Independence, WI)
- Donald George (Professor of Music at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire)
- Bill Simon (Arranger and Band Director at South Middle School, Eau Claire, WI)