Dr. Doug Busby was recently awarded the Magic Baton at the Robert J. Hiler Family Foundation Pops Concert, young@hearts.

The Magic Baton has a rich history with the La Porte County Symphony Orchestra. The idea began in 1981 at the symphony's second annual pops concert, titled “To La Porte With Love.” The concert opened with a rousing “Stars and Stripes Forever,” conducted by Mayor A. J. Rumely. It was part of the city of La Porte's 150th birthday celebration.

The following year the "Magic Baton" was born. The conductor's baton, previously mastered by Mayor Rumely, was transformed into a "Magic Baton." It has since become an integral and indispensable feature of the La Porte County Symphony's Pops Concert. Each season, an auction is held to determine the winner of the baton. The magic instantly transforms the highest bidder into an experienced symphony conductor.

After the bidding concludes, the winner steps to the conductor's podium to lead the orchestra in John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever.” In addition to their moment as “Maestro,” winners are presented with an engraved plaque and a photograph of their experience.

From Dr. Doug Busby

I remember being the angel, Gabriel "blowing his horn," in a kindergarten play when I was a kid.  Maybe that got me interested in the trumpet, which has made it possible to enjoy being in many concert bands over the past 55 years.  "Stars and Stripes"  has certainly been my favorite march, which I'll again be playing on April 30th with the Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band at the VU's Annual Sousa Festival Concert.

Quoting Dr. Busby, "Now I might even conduct this great march. WOW, what an honor that would be! Please make this possible for me."  Indeed, he won and did a fantastic job! Thanks for being part of our fabulous tradition!

Dr. Doug Busby, Vice President, LCSO Board of Directors

Previous Baton Auction winners

Listed alphabetically, include:

• Miss Janet Ault
• Mr. Keith Bancroft
• Mr. C. Phillip Barning,Jr.
• Mr. Jeffrey Bernel
• Mr. James Bruno
• Ms. Suki Cho
• Mr. Phillip Drayton
• Ms. Cherie Fuller
• Mr. Jon Goble
• Mayor Elmo Gonzalez
• Mr. Ray Grivetti
• Mrs. Rita Hagenow
• Mr. Bob Jackson
• Mr. Lew Jagger
• Mr. Keith Jones
• Mayor Carl Krentz
• Judge Kathleen Lang
• Mayor Leigh Morris
• Dr. Hester Muller
• Mayor A. J. Rumely
• Mr. Chuck Sauers
• Mr. Andrew Steck
• Mr. John Utley