Director Shawn Bentz.
John Drebus, Bill Burr, and Bill Schnackel.
Owens, Judy Laffin, Ginny Thompson, and Bob Zack, among others who are remembered and appreciated. Over the years, the Band has played at the 4 th of July observance held on a Saturday night at the high school track. Laffin has special recollection of Sheriff Buck Stogsdill organizing a color guard for each of the armed services. As the individual flag for the service was brought forward, the band would play its official anthem. The ceremony would end with the Battle Hymn of the Republic.
A mainstay of multiple Brown County celebrations, many of the current players have been active since its inception. They come with all levels of expertise and experiences.
Phyllis Sindlinger recalls a visit with the Laffins and being recruited when after-dinner conversation revealed that she had been a clarinet player in her high school band 40 + years before. Laffin talked her into letting him get her instrument overhauled. Showing up for practice, she was delighted and amazed that her fingers didn’ t forget. She especially loves the interaction
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Musician Al Cobine with Ray Laffin during a rehearsal for the“ Dinger of a Day” production in 2006. Photo by George Bredewater
Jan./ Feb. 2020 • Our Brown County 39