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Joseph Michael (Joe) Brown
Director (1994-2000)
April 28, 1951 – 12 July, 2000

OBITUARY:
Joseph (Joe) Brown, conductor of Town North Concert Band of Dallas; Texas, musician, and teacher passed away on July 12, 2000 from a heart attack at the age of forty-nine. None knew that the Fourth of July performance of the year 2000 would be the last time we would hear him say, "Have Fun," as he gave the downbeat. This was his way of making us feel relaxed at each concert.

He had high expectations, not only for himself, but also for the Town North Community Band. Every member of the band will agree that Joe's dedication and skills as conductor and musician were great assets in helping us improve our skill as musicians, as well as improve the sound of the Town North Concert Band. His enthusiasm about music and about helping others become better musician was strongly felt by every member and by every person who knew him.

Joe held a bachelor's degree from North Texas State University and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. While in Permian Basin, he helped develop a community band made up of band directors and was a frequent guest conductor of the Odessa College Community Orchestra. While in Odessa, Texas, he studied conducting, theory, and counterpoint under Ethelston Chapman. Additional theory (theory proctor) studies were done at Nadia Boulanger's Fountainbleu School of Music. He received private instruction from David Sloan, past president of Texas Orchestra Association of Directors and from Daratl Rauscher, bass trombonist (retired) of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He received the majority of his tutelage in music, score study and conducting coaching from Yves L'Helgoual’ch, Conductor Emeritus, of the New Philharmonic of Irving; Anshel Brusilow, conductor of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra: and Fredrick Fennel, conductor of the Tokyo Kosee Wind Orchestra.

Joe did not play an instrument until he was in college, but once he started, he made a career of teaching music to others. In 1976, Mr. Brown began teaching music in Brownfield, Texas. He taught in Andrews, Texas for several years before joining the Dallas Public Schools in 1987 where he taught high school, middle school and/or elementary until his death. He showed compassion for all students regardless of their background finding instruments for those who could not afford them and most importantly, listened to the students. His heart and arms were always extended to all needing nurturing.

Joe was an active performer participating in church music ensembles, brass choirs, community orchestras, dance bands and other performing groups. In contrast, piloting an airplane, fishing and bicycling were his means of deviation from his love of music. The Town North Concert Band presented a scholarship to his widow, Risa Wyatt Brown, and his daughter, Thea, who is majoring in Spanish and cello performance at Texas Christian University. The scholarship was raised from donations from the members and friends of TNCB.

Joe is now playing with the "BIG BAND." Play it out Joe—HAVE FUN!