James V. Burden has been the director of
the LaPorte City Band for more than 40 years. In fact, he holds the record
for the longest conductorship in the band's history. After graduating
from the VanderCook College of Music with a Masters Degree, he
taught music in the LaPorte School System for close to fifteen
years. His genuine love of music led him to join the Tom Milo
Big Band, of which he has been an active member since the group's
formation.
Jim's appreciation
for music carried over into his family life as well. His wife
Karen, plays the French horn and has been a member of the LaPorte
City Band for more than thirty years. Both of his children have
also been with the City Band for most of their lives. His daughter
Missy plays French horn while son Matt plays the trumpet. Both
began substituting with the City Band in middle school, and became
regular members shortly thereafter. Both Missy and Matt remain permanent members
of the band, with Matt having recently moved back to LaPorte from Michigan and
resuming playing trumpet, and Missy having played continuously with the band for
more than 20 years.
While Jim can
play just about any instrument he picks up, his specialty is
the alto saxophone. His skill with the sax is evident when you
hear him playing with the Northern Indiana Saxophone Quartet.
The group often performs special shows during the regular City
Band summer concert season, giving band members the opportunity
to hear the director in action.
Thanks to Jim,
the LaPorte City Band concerts have become a popular summer tradition
in the LaPorte community for many years. We all look forward to
this tradition continuing for many more years to come.
