Omaha daily bee., 1898-05-29


Banner" the audience rise as the inspired
strain floats over the White Lot and the
heads OF the people and is lost In the
darkening shadows along the shores Of the
Potomac. and It is this band which has the
distinguished honor OF opening the exposi-
ton at Omaha on the first day OF June.
There have been many changes In the
personnel OF the leadership OF the band
since It's organization in the %stressful days
Of 1912. many Of the leaders coming to the
band famous for their ability TO direct a
great musical organization, while many OF
the leaders left the band with fame which
they had won by ability in musical direc-
ton. The present leader, william H.. San
telmann, was born in the city Of Hanover,
Germany, and comes from a long line OF
musical ancestors. At a very early age
he began the study OF the violin under COM
petent instructors, and when fourteen years
old took up harmony and Instrumentation.
Four years later he enlisted In a military
band at Leipsic, serving three years, at
the expiration Of which time he entered
the Conservatory of Music in that city for
the purpose OF completing his education The
years spent in Leipsic we're most fruitful In
opportunities for hearing the finest music
and gaining experience In all branches OF
his profession. Immediately after the close
Of his course in the conservatory, Mr..
Santelmann accepted an engagement to go
to Philadelphia with a concert band. and
one year later was received into the band
Of the United States Marine corps, In 1895
he withdrew from the Marine band and or
ganized an orchestra Of his own, which
met with signal success at the various
social events Of the city at which 1t per-
formed. In March Of the present year he
received the appointment he now holds.
The personal popularity OF Mr.. Santelmaun
Is such that his appointment was hailed
with delight by the old members Of the
band who had known him throughout his
American career, and many OF the retired
members who had been comrades with him
under John Philip Sousa have again put on
the uniform under his leadership. He is
magnetic, vigorous and full Of fire as a
conductor, while his thorough knowledge oil
Instrumentation give the iudgmen. neces-
sary to understand the capacity of his play
ers and the capabilities of each instrument.
While Mr.. Santelmann has never been
brought into prominence as a composer, a
number Of his compositions have achieved
marked success wherever performed.
At
IL mcHllOu ZACH IL lue meIuDGTS Vi Ills
great band would require quite a small
volume il all the laurels which they have
won as individuals were to be considered.
The Assistant Leader Mr.. Walter +. Smith,
has seen considerable experience with the
Marine band previous to his present connec-
ton. For a number Of years Mr.. Smith was
solo cornetist and assistant leader under
Mr.. John Philip Sousa's leadership. Later
he was for three years with Sousa's Conce;
band and now has recently returned to his
former place in the band, through the
strongest respect and esteem which its
present leader commands from all VIII,
know him thoroughly. Mr.. Smith is {
western man, coming from the state Of
Michigan.
Mr.. Larsen, the first cornetist of the band
is a graduate from "a European conservator,
of music, and has recently had the homo
of being acting leader of the band previou.
to Mr.. Santelmann's appointment. He is {
thorough musician and a favorite in the cit,
of Washington.
Mr.. Jaeger, the flute soloist of the band
needs no introduction since his reputation il
spread all over the country. Besides beins
a great soloist, Mr.. Jaeger enjoys the dis
%tinction of being the owner of the only SOLE
gold flute that has ever been made, ant
I which he uses on rare occasions for sol,
playing.
Josef Oliveri, the solo clarinetist of tn,
band, was a native Of the city of Palermo, il
Sicily, and 1t is possible that the warm SUI
and mellow wines Of that island may hav,
had their influence upon the playing of hi
, instrument, for seldom it is that a richie
tone or more delicate execution can be hear,
) from any artist upon this difficult instru
3 ment. He is also one of the "old stand -by's'
in the band.
r F. Patzschke, who plays the oboe, is
4 Pole, but plays this eccentric instrument a
though it might have been an aeolian harl
instead.
Signor Licarlone, the first tuba player, /
a native of the mountains of Calarbria, il
Italy, while Signor Giovannini, the eupho
r MUM soloist, comes from one of the Italia
e %cantons of Switzerland. Signor Giovannin
, is especially remarkable for the broad, full
{ tone which he produces upon this instru
: ment, and is a very popular soloist in tn
Q capital city. Mr.. Samuels, the first trumpe
player, is truly one Of the veterans of tn
e organization. Besides having served nearl
nEUrc