Newell H. Long

February 12, 1905 – January 4, 1999

Newell Long 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.

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.

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.

– Ed Long

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