William Burt
It’s hard to describe the era of the Vermilion Sailor Marching Band that William Burt presided over. It could be considered the golden age (so far) of the band. Regardless of what someone refers to it as Mr. Burt built the underpinnings of the Vermilion Band Program.
Mr. Burt was a graduate of Bowling Green State University and had a master’s degree from VanderCook College of Music, Chicago. He arrived in Vermilion as the Band Director in 1956, filling in the vacancy left behind by James Hoffman.
Mr. Burt was the person that shaped the military marching style that existed in the Vermilion Sailor Marching Band for decades. The majorette outfits were changed to a version similar to the ones still used today in 1957. The long-term classic Vermilion uniforms arrived in 1962. In the 1959 school year, the band under his direction cut their first (and only) record.
Mr. Burt believed three things are what was needed for a band of his caliber:
- Be at the right place, at the right time, with the right equipment, in the right frame of mind
- March with the feeling of rhythm
- Espirit de corp
The story goes that the during a gathering with former students at Mr. Burt’s house on a summer evening, the discussion came up of creating an Alumni Band. He figured they still had enough spirit in them to “Do It One More Time.” In 1986, under his direction, the first Vermilion Sailor Alumni took the field. An organization that still continues to this day.
Mr. Burt, unfortunately, passed away in 2010. He will always be remembered for his contributions.
After 24 Years Band Director Willie B. Retires
When Mr. Burt came to VHS some 24 years ago, the music program was extremely small. The marching band was the smallest of all the bands. Many doubted that it would be possible to make the band grow larger. But Mr. Burt worked had and today the marching band has 100 members. There is also is pep band, pit orchestra and three concert bands in the high school
The marching band works extremely hard. They perform at every football game. They also host a band festival and travel to other band festivals. The music department has come a long way in the past 24 years, thanks to “Willie B.”
After retiring, Mr. Burt has no intent to face out of the picture; he will be working at Driscol’s repairing instruments.
