Midwest Band Clinic

Chuck Barnhouse is the third generation to own and operate the C. L. Barnhouse Publishing Company. His grandfather established the firm in 1886 and over the years the company has commissioned a rather impressive list of composers to create band and orchestral music. Among their most noted composers, James Swearingen, Alfred Reed and Frank Mantooth. After outgrowing their facilities in 1987, Chuck oversaw the building of the new headquarters and improved production of all areas of the publishing process.

Harry Begian was one of the most respected band directors in the United States. Serving at the high school and college levels for over 45 years, Dr. Begian conducted his first band while he was in his teens. As the band director at Detroit’s Cass Technical High School and for 14 years at the University of Illinois, he taught his students respect for the classics and the power of team work. Acknowledging the importance of the Midwest Band Clinic on his career, he served on the board for the annual band conference and worked to improve the quality of its programs.  It was during the 2006 Midwest Clinic in which Dr. Begian was interviewed for the NAMM Oral History collection.

Dr. Richard Brittain was invited to a small gathering of music educators in the months following World War II. The original goal of the meeting was to provide a venue for the music educators to distribute new music scores, which were difficult to obtain. The year was 1946. The first Midwest Band Clinic was born! Dr. Brittain was educated at VanderCook College, where he returned after the war and became one of the music college’s most esteemed professors. In addition to a rather distinguished teaching career, his work over the years has included several noted arrangements for the Neil A. Kjos Music Company . During the 2006 Midwest Band Clinic, Dr. Brittain was the honored guest, receiving many awards and special music tributes.

Colonel Arnold Gabriel proudly led the United States Air Force Band as well as the Symphony Orchestra, the Singing Sergeants and the McLean Orchestra over a long and celebrated career of musical service to his country. Playing for presidents, heads of states as well as service men and women, Col. Gabriel was an early supporter of the Midwest Band Clinic and the youngest person ever to be inducted into the National Band Association Hall of Fame of Distinguished Band Conductors.

Glenn Holtz was raised in the music products industry. His father, Ed, was a sales manager for Ludwig Drum Company. Glenn spent many years in the industry including as president of Gemeinhardt Flutes for nearly 20 years, and as a sales manager for Selmer. In 2002, he established the G. Holtz Musical Instrument Company and a brand of products called Glenn Edward, which included flutes, piccolos, saxophones, trumpets and tuba. Glenn also played a vital role as chairman of NAMM’s International Foundation for Music Research (IFMR) as well as treasurer for the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic.
 

Mark Kelly has served on the Midwest Band Clinic board since the 1980s and has played a vital role in the growth and popularity of the clinic and its programs. He attended his first Midwest program in 1954 and recalled with great details watching Harry Begain’s school band perform. The event was a source of great inspiration and years later while involved with the Midwest; Mark became a friend of Mr. Begain (whose own interview took place the day before Mr. Kelly was interviewed at the Midwest Clinic).

Marilea Zajec and her husband Victor became the historians for the Midwest Band Clinic and over the years collected and wrote of the importance of the annual events impact on music education around the world. Victor attended the first program in 1946 and Marilea’s first Midwest was as a performer in 1961. Together the couple wrote the 50th anniversary book and promoted the history of the school music programs as often as possible. Victor served on the Midwest board and was also the historian for the American Bandmaster Association before his passing in 2005. Marilea carries on the goals so dear to her husband and has herself played a vital role in the preserving of this rich history.