When I was in fourth grade, I wanted to play an instrument in the school band. I loved how powerful and exuberant the instruments sounded when the entire band played together. Instead, my parents gave me piano lessons. While I ended up truly loving the piano, I still have a great fondness for band music.

So, imagine my delight when Wheeling resident and keyboardist/percussionist Keith Miller asked me to come to a rehearsal for the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band’s Gala 5th Anniversary Concert.

“We are one of the premier community bands and there are only a few of our caliber in the area,” states Buffalo Grove resident Jim Osters, lead percussionist and Band President. “We are so proud to be here for our fifth anniversary. We really owe it all to Howard Green.”

Buffalo Grove resident Howard Green is the Conductor and Music Director for the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band. “I had been trying to start this group for eight years because Buffalo Grove did not have a band. Once (Buffalo Grove resident) Linda Rosen got on the Arts Commission, things really took off. 45 people showed up to our first meeting in 2001 and now we’re up to 70.”

The band members, who come from Wheaton, Gurnee, Park Ridge, Cicero, Crest Hill, Wheeling, Arlington Heights, Long Grove and Buffalo Grove, range from professional musicians to people who haven’t played in years.

“We are also extremely family oriented,” asserts Green, whose wife, Shari and his daughter, Jenna, play in the band. “We have a few couples who met here at rehearsal and some of them even got married. Our woodwind quintet played at one of the weddings.”

Also part of the band “family” is Meridian Middle School Principal, Susan Mann, who hosts rehearsals at the school. “Susan has been a huge supporter of us,” maintains Osters. “She has made it possible for us to rehearse all year, even in the summer. She’s been fabulous!”

And now, on to the music. There is really no safe spot to sit in a junior high music room filled with 70 mostly cumbersome instruments. I decided to observe from the back which was fine until I realized I was sitting mighty close to the cymbals. And besides a little banging near my ears every so often, I was completely mesmerized the entire time.

The band rehearsed several songs from their large repertoire and Green conducted with dedicated passion. Their Sousa March was so lively I could actually feel the energy from the musicians. For a moment, I contemplated marching around the room with a baton but deemed it inappropriate with so many strangers. Instead, I just bobbed my head along with the music.

My absolute favorite was the Benny Goodman number where I definitely felt like doing a little soft-shoe and then some swing dancing. The most memorable part was the duet between Howard Green on the clarinet (as Benny Goodman) and Jim Osters on the drums (as Gene Krupa). The entire piece was absolutely phenomenal.

During the evening, when Green threw out words like “accelerando” and “Edvard Grieg,” I gave myself a little pat on the back for understanding the musician lingo. Of course, I didn’t advertise the fact that I learned it all from watching Disney’s “Little Einsteins” with my son every morning.

At break time, everyone I spoke with mentioned their excitement about the two extraordinary guest soloists scheduled to perform during the concert. Wayne Messmer will be narrating “A Lincoln Portrait” by Aaron Copland and Dr. William Crowle will be the piano soloist in Grieg’s “Concerto in A Minor.” Quite possibly, Messmer may perform another number. “It’s a privilege to have them with us,” declares Osters.

“The majority of the big pieces we play are recognizable and fun,” cites Allison Rakickas, Associate Conductor and percussionist for Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band and Band Director at Meridian. “There will definitely be a lot of toe tapping in the audience.”

“I’ve been here since day one and I’m still having a great time. I don’t think residents realize what they have here,” gushes Buffalo Grove resident and flutist Bonnie Gold. “Howard has taught me a lot about music that I didn’t already know. You can see he loves what he’s doing.”

“I’ve known Howard for 40 years and this is his lifelong dream,” enthuses Keith Miller. “It’s really a labor of love for all of us.”

The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band will be presenting their Gala 5th Anniversary Concert on Sunday, May 21, at 7:00 pm at the Stevenson High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Seniors and students with ID pay only $8. Tickets are available at Buffalo Grove Village Hall, 50 Raupp Blvd. or call 847-459-2518.

For information on sponsorship (“We are in huge need of sponsors at all levels,” says Osters.) or other upcoming performances by the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band, go to www.bgsb.org.

I had such a wonderful time at the rehearsal that it almost makes me want to take up an instrument just so I can join the band. And although I loved my own private concert, I can’t wait for the actual performance on May 21. Hope to see you there!
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© 2007 Susan Dubin, Buffalo Grove, Illinois