Henry Fillmore, ca. 1930
This November’s American Music Month celebration, Klaxons, Screamers, and Rolling Thunder: The Unconventional Henry Fillmore focuses on Henry Fillmore’s life and his contributions to America’s band movement and trombone repertoire. Fillmore was a uniquely unconventional trombonist, composer, and bandmaster who loved circus music, American football, and his music-loving dog. To recognize his contributions to America’s band movement and trombone repertoire this year’s programming kicks off on November 4th with a special performance demonstration and lecture on early trombone and low brass instrument designs and a trombone masterclass that will given by retired Boston Symphony Orchestra bass trombonist, Doug Yeo. The following day at the football bame, a special half-time show will feature the Marching Illini’s trombone section performing Meredith Willson’s “Seventy-six Trombones” and Henry Fillmore’s “Lassus Trombone” with Doug Yeo and as many trombone students as possible from Illinois school band programs statewide on the 50 yard line. In addition the Sousa Archives has three new exhibits for people to visit: Stage Center Slides! Stories of Sousa’s Spectacular Trombonists; From Nickeline to Electric Oil: Early Marketing and Design Revelations for America’s Trombone; and Fillmore the Man Behind the Name. For more information on these programs and exhibits, and the rest of this November’s programming please visit archives.library.illinois.edu/sousa or call the Sousa Archives and Center for American Music at 217-333-4577.