LOG IN HERE
The Musical Life and Times of Harry Brabec, Legendary Chicago Symphony Percussionist & Humorist

Archive for the ‘Instrumentalists’ Category



Arlene Lechich, Harpist

February 21st, 2011
Arlene Lechich (nee Strejc) playing the Style 22 Concert Harp in J. Sterling Morton's High School Orchestra in the FortiesArlene Lechich performing on her Style 17 Gold Harp

Harry’s cousin remembers him and her days as a harpist in the orchestra at J. Sterling Morton High School when both of them were playing under the direction of Louis M. Blaha.

James Dutton, Virtuoso Marimbist and Teacher

November 26th, 2010

Barbara, who studied marimba with James Dutton in the late fifties, remembers her lessons with this virtuoso marimbist and outstanding teacher. “He was not only a great help to me when I was struggling to play professionally in Chicago,” she says, “but by introducing me to other percussionists, I eventually met the musician who would introduce me to the man I was destined to marry three weeks after we met.”

Melody Top Music Theatre (Hillside) 1962-1965

June 14th, 2010

Between 1962 and 1965, Harry played traps for sixteen shows at Melody Top. This excerpt from THE DRUMMER DRIVES! includes photos of the theatre, its orchestra members, and a collage of some programs of the wonderful Broadway musicals presented there.