OUTSTANDING BANDS FEATURED IN 2008 Chicago Brass Band Friday, July 18 – 7:15 p.m. The Chicago Brass Band, conducted by Dr. Colin Holman, strives to become a world-class brass band in the British tradition, but not bound by that tradition, and to reflect the American musical culture of which it is a part. The band was formed in September of 2002 and has already been recognized nationally and internationally for its excellence and creativity. Its motto is "British Tradition--Chicago Style." Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band Friday, July 18 – 8:30 p.m. The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band was started in October 2001 by the Village of Buffalo Grove Arts Commission and Howard Green, Music Director and Conductor. The band is comprised of 70 adult musicians aged 18 and above and is open without fee or audition to anyone who plays a wind or percussion instrument. The BGSB performs all varieties of music from classical to Broadway to pop and jazz. In its first five years the Band has performed over 60 concerts to capacity audiences, including formal concerts each year at Stevenson and Buffalo Grove High Schools, as well as holiday concerts at local churches and summer concerts, including Buffalo Grove Days and the Buffalo Grove Invitational Fine Art Festival.   Fox Valley Concert Band Saturday, July 19 – 6:00 p.m. The Fox Valley Concert Band is currently celebrating the 25th anniversary since its founding in St. Charles, Illinois. Currently under the direction of Dr. Colin Holman, the FVCB is a not-for-profit, all-volunteer band comprised of 75 members from many communities in the Fox Valley and the western suburbs of Chicago. The band's two-fold mission is to provide its audiences with free, quality concert band music year-round and to provide an opportunity for its members to exercise their musical talents. The band gives three indoor concerts each year during the school calendar, usually at its home in Geneva Community High School in Geneva, Illinois. It also plays six to eight outdoor concerts each summer.   Navy Band Great Lakes Saturday, July 19 – 7:15 p.m. Formed by Lieutenant Commander John Phillip Sousa, USNR, in 1917, the Navy Band Great Lakes performs throughout the Midwest region from Michigan to North Dakota. The members have always been grateful for having the opportunity to make music for America during its history. Dedicated to music, the United States Navy and the nation, the Navy Band Great Lakes supports the sailors of the Navy's largest and finest training center at the Naval Station Great Lakes and the Navy's recruiting mission first. But the band always finds time to perform in its larger Midwest community to celebrate America with its audiences. During the Wheaton Band Festival, the Navy Band will be joined by its Brass Ambassdors Quintet and Fair Winds Quintet. Crystal Lake Community Concert Band Saturday, July 19 – 8:30 p.m. The Crystal Lake Community Band was established in 1984 as an affiliate of the Crystal Lake Park District. The band was founded by a small group of amateur musicians seeking an outlet for their love of music. From the outset, the Band has always sought adult members from all walks of the community and prided itself on its ability to bring music of a consistently high level to the public. Currently, the Band is conducted by Don Ehrensperger and boasts a roster of approximately 80 members including both professional and dedicated amateur musicians. Members come from twenty different communities in Illinois and Wisconsin. All performances offer variety and typically include works by composers as diverse as Shostakovich, Grainger, Sousa and Ellington. The Band regularly offers Guest Soloists (both from within and outside of its ranks), Jazz Band Features, Brass Choirs and other small ensembles to its concert-going audiences. Throughout the past eight years the band has performed during three trips to Europe as well as recent performances in Alaska. About the Conductors

Colin Holman Dr. Holman received his Bachelor of Music degree with honors from Birmingham, England in 1983 and came to the United States with the Scholarship and a Graduate Honors Fellowship, completing his master's degree in conducting and his Ph.D. in musicology at the University of Kansas. He was appointed conductor of the Fox Valley Concert Band in January of 1993 as it celebrated its 10th anniversary. In addition to his present position with the FVCB, he conducts the Chicago Brass Band and the Saint Louis Brass Band. He is editor of Bridge, a magazine for and about brass bands in North America.

Howard Green Howard Green brings over 30 years of professional music experience as a conductor, clarinetist, and saxophonist to the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band. After completing his degree in Clarinet from Roosevelt University in 1975, he became principal clarinet for the U.S. Air Force Band at Chanute Air Force Base, IL. Since leaving the Air Force in 1979, Mr. Green has been principal clarinet and concertmaster in numerous ensembles, including the Chicago Symphonic Concert Band, the Arlington Heights Community Band, and the Mount Prospect Community Band (where he was also the Associate Conductor), as well as performing as a principal and guest conductor and freelance clarinetist in recitals, clubs, and community events.

Don Ehrensperger Mr. Ehrensperger graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor and Master of Music Degree. He studied conducting with John P. Paynter and trumpet with Vincent Czichowitz of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He taught at Cary-Grove High School in Cary, Illinois from 1963 to 1993 where his Marching, Concert and Jazz bands won acclaim throughout the area. A clinician and adjudicator in Illinois and Wisconsin, he is a member of numerous Musical Associations. Mr. Ehrensperger has conducted the Crystal Lake Community Band since 1986.