'To Honor and Inspire': A salute to U.S. military bands
Celebrate the Fourth of July with our salute to U.S. military bands. Listen to the wide variety of music they play, and explore their history in our special program 'To Honor and Inspire.'
Celebrate the Fourth of July with our salute to U.S. military bands. Listen to the wide variety of music they play, and explore their history in our special program 'To Honor and Inspire.'
There is an uncomfortable truth about Henry Fillmore's most famous work for trombone. 'Lassus Trombone' was born and marketed in a crucible of racial stereotyping, minstrelsy, racism and Jim Crow. For those who are unaware of the racist background of Fillmore's signature piece and related works, or who might respond by saying, "It's not such a big deal," here is the story.
G. Oliver Riggs was a real-life Minnesota 'Music Man' in the early 20th century, creating and directing a few dozen bands, drumming up enthusiasm for band music, and raising money for uniforms. Now, great-granddaughter Joy Riggs is sharing his story in her new book, 'Crackerjack Bands and Hometown Boosters.'