Heading French horn section has its responsibilities

Dan Kulpa was one of the original 35 players who showed up at Neff Hall on the Purdue University Fort Wayne campus in November 1979 to play in a new start-up community band.

Like the others in attendance, he answered an announcement in the Fort Wayne newspapers placed by William Schlacks, professor of instrumental music at Purdue University Fort Wayne.

That was 43 years ago and music means even more to him now.

“I worked at Magnavox and had been playing in their band for about five years, but it was in the process of folding. So, word of a new community band starting was really good news. I was seated third in the French horn section but moved into the section leader position not long after when the person who held that spot left the band,” Kulpa said.

Kulpa has been section leader ever since.

“One thing I learned over the years as principal French horn player is when you have a section full of really accomplished players, you give them the opportunity to shine whenever you can,” he said.

“So, my job is to make sure the right personnel are on the right parts so the band gets the most out of the section.”

He added, “I’m impressed with the fact that the Fort Wayne Area Community Band has attracted so many talented young people the last few years who are serious about playing. That’s probably why we’re able to tackle challenging music and why the quality of our performances has greatly improved.”

When Kulpa was in sixth grade, he came home from school and announced he was going to be a trumpet player.

“My father said trumpets cost a lot of money and told me to go back to the band director and ask what instruments the school had and then choose one. My choices were tuba, euphonium and French horn. I was a little kid, so I picked the smallest one, the French horn,” Kulpa stated.

He played in high school ensembles and earned a music scholarship to attend Wayne State University in Detroit, Mich.

“After playing two years in the university band, I announced I was no longer a music major, transferred to the University of Michigan to study engineering, and put away my instrument for 15 years until joining the Magnavox Band,” he said.

He thought he could pick it up and play like he did before.

“I couldn’t play anything. It took some time to get it back. Music is now like therapy,” he added. “I look forward to Tuesday night rehearsals at Purdue Fort Wayne where we are considered an ensemble in residence,” Kulpa said.

Kulpa served as president of the band for 12 years, was its first treasurer and did a couple years as an at-large board member.

“I think the glue that has held the community band together all these years is our assistant conductors, Susan Jehl and Dave Blackwell, who conduct us during the summers, our graduation concerts and other special performances,” Kulpa said.

In addition, Kulpa performed with the Community Orchestra for 25 years, the Auburn Community Band, PUFW Wind Ensemble and the Don Pearson Dance Band.

The Fort Wayne Area Community Band will present three free concerts at Foellinger Theater in Franke Park this summer: Tuesday, June 13; Tuesday, July 11; and Tuesday, Aug. 8. Downbeat is at 7:30 p.m.

It was 50 years ago —