On February 27, the New Braunfels (Texas) High School Band’s Wind Ensemble launched their spring concert series with a program featuring arrangements by famed Wisconsin bandleader Ernie Broeniman. The band, under the direction of NBHS band director Kenneth Vise and with tutelage from musical artist Alex Meixner, performed two polkas and two waltzes arranged for concert band by Broeniman. The arranger himself was there to enjoy the performance. Broeniman’s fresh arrangements for concert band drew from original charts by the Vitak-Elnsic Company, now a division of Music Publishers of America (“MPA”).
Ernie Broeniman, Alex Meixner, Steve Harris
During a break in the performance, Meixner and MPA President Steve Harris recognized Broeniman’s contributions. “Ernie’s arrangements make polka music relevant, interesting and fun to play,” Harris said. Meixner also expressed his appreciation for Broeniman’s contributions as a music educator and bandleader. “There’ve been a lot of good polka band leaders over the years. And Ernie’s Dorf Kapelle band is one of the best,” he said, “but Ernie also has done so much more to introduce new generations to this music.” In addition to being a renowned bandleader and arranger, Broeniman was also a highly-regarded high school band director in his native Wisconsin before his retirement.
NBHS Band Director Vise also commented on Broeniman’s arrangements. “The kids had a great time playing Ernie’s arrangements of these Vitak-Elsnic classics. The arrangements were challenging enough to be interesting, but also a lot of fun to play. We enjoyed this so much we plan to have a similar concert next year featuring Ernie’s arrangements of Vitak-Elsnic music.”
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