It is with deep sadness that Music Publishers of America, LLC (“MPA”) and the Vitak-Elsnic Company (“V-E”) announce the death on August 18, 2022, of our good friend and musical collaborator Ernie Broeniman. Ernie amazingly created 50 arrangements for concert band and 11 orchestra arrangements of music from the V-E archives. These arrangements form the core of the company’s Ernie Broeniman Collection.
“Ernie was not only a musical wonder, but a great and very dear friend to me,” said MPA and V-E President Steve Harris. “A few years ago, Ernie and I were at a musical celebration of polka music in Ohio. Ernie made a point when we got together for breakfast of wearing his Vitak-Elsnic hat. He promoted the music he loved so much his entire life,” Harris said. “It was a great honor and privilege to be able to work with Ernie.”
Ernie’s arrangements were the basis for the 2016 V-E release of Music from the Heartland, performed by Ernie’s own Dorf Kapelle band. Below you can hear all the songs on the album or also watch a promotional video for the company featuring an interview with Ernie and vocals by his granddaughter Abby (Broeniman) Kramer. The album is also available through the V-E store and through most digital streaming and download platforms.
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