Tribute to William Bramwell Smith II, Anthony Vanschurrenburg

Posted on: 1/2/2007

William Bramwell Smith II, former Solo Trumpet with the US Marine Band, Washington DC, founder of the US Army Herald Trumpets, Musical Director of the RCMP Band Ottawa, Canada, settled in Brampton, Ontario, Canada in the late 1970's while teaching at the Humber College of Applied Arts near Toronto. It was at this time that Bram was mentor, friend and ispiration to many, many young musicians.
Bram's contribution to music in North America is still visable as his son Bram Smith III is currently the leader of the US Army Herald Trumpets in Washington DC.

Anthony Vanschurrenburg, High School Music teacher in Brampton Ontario, Canada was a great inspiration to young musicians as well. Tony was one of those Band Directors that went well above the call of duty to make music so interesting to his students. His arrangements for band that he created every year, gave our band something very special and fostered my appreciation for quality writing and highlited the importance of performing liturature created within the band.

Tony Vanschurrenburg was also a music teacher in Ottawa, Canada in the 1960's, at the high school Bram Smith III attended. It was due to this association that I had the privilege of taking Trumpet lessons with Bramwell Smith II.

Tribute submitted by:
David Harmsworth
brampton, Ontario
Canada