Newell Long (February 12, 1905 – January 4, 1999) was the founding conductor of the
Bloomington Community Band from 1978 until 1997. He was truly the heart and soul of the band in its early years. Ed Long had this to say when he learned of our desire to honor Newell: “Father would be incredibly honored with a Newell Long conducting chair. The band was a huge priority for him, and he completely invested his many talents.”
Newell Long joined the faculty of the IU School of Music in 1935 and retired in 1975. He was also the conductor of the Bloomington High School band and orchestra from 1935-39 and of the University High School Band from 1939-43. He and his wife Eleanor were famous for their musical skits that were often performed by IU faculty. Newell was a successful composer and author of respected exercise books for the study of the trombone.
In honor of its first conductor, the band has established the Newell H. Long Conducting Fund to provide a modest stipend to our music director.
Highlights of Newell Long’s career:
- Indiana Music Educators Association Hoosier Musician of the Year (1985)
- Fellow, Beta Phi Mu Bandmasters Hall of Fame (1977)
- Indiana Bandmasters Association Distinguished Service Award (1969)
- Associate Conductor of Bands, Indiana University
- Chairman, Undergraduate Division, Music Education Department, IU School of Music
- Assistant Dean, IU School of Music
- President, National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors
- President, Central & Southern Indiana School Music Association