In a scene reminiscent of a favorite sitcom, a "sort of" musical dissent from afar marred the hour-long Roger Ludlowe High School band concert at Sturges Green 38 years ago this evening. The Ludlowe band, under the direction of Frank Furman, entertained a gathering of about 300 music lovers.Further investigation discovered that four "musicians" had stationed themselves across the street from the Wednesday evening, June 9, 1971 concert and sounded out with "sour notes" from their "brass." The interfering musicians were identified by police as being members of the Andrew Warde High School band, which had originally been slated to participate in the program.
Fairfield Lieutenant Henry Smith made short work of the impromptu harrassment and confiscated the students' musical equipment --- a saxophone, two trumpets, and a trombone. The instruments were taken to police headquarters where they were later turned over to the boys' parents.
No charges were filed against the four students whose names were not made available, but it was reported that disciplinary action might be taken by school authorities. The disturbance was an offshoot of the withdrawal of the Warde band from the concert, which originally was to be presented by the Warde and Ludlowe bands.
Michael German (pictured at the left), the Warde band director, withdrew the band from the concert at a rehearsal two nights before the event after some members of his unit had applauded a fellow bandsman who quit the rehearsal after questioning the direction of the two bands by Mr. Furman from Ludlowe.Mr. German was one of the spectators at the musical presentation, and he was given an ovation after leading the Ludlowe musicians through two selections. A somewhat prophetic headline in the next day's edition of The Bridgeport Post stated, "Warde Bandsmen Interrupt Briefly Fairfield Ludlowe Performance."
Paul
Please sign the AWHS Guest Book.
Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.
Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film".
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