In Memory...

Gary Borling was the “founder and driving force” of The 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band. “His passion for vintage brass musical instruments and music led him to form the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band... Through his leadership of this group it became known throughout the country.”

“Our Leader” lost his battle with lung cancer on November 17, 2000.

Coming soon

Sara Simpson attended Mt. Carmel High School in Wabash County, IL and played in the band with Director Floyd "Pappy" Perkins. She learned how to read music through piano lessons since the third grade. Sara earned a BME from Illinois Wesleyan and an MM from Northwestern. She taught public school music for 32 years and is retired. She has been a band director and choir director and has performed in orchestras, bands, and musicals, She studied band music in Europe through Illinois State University. She lives in a Victorian Cottage and is the custodian of her family tree. She is a member of DAR through William Simpson of Virginia. Sara plays to honor her Civil War ancestors: David S. Reel (115th Illinois), Henry J. Gard (115th Illinois Musician), Joseph M. Gard (66th Illinois), Timothy Gard (48th Illinois), Jacob Reel (48th Illinois), Capt. Joseph Crow (48th Illinois), and John H. Simpson (3rd Tennessee Cavalry). John Simpson was proprietor of the “Sultana Monument” erected in Knoxville, TN in 1916. Sara is a charter member of the band and has played clarinet, percussion, and Eb alto horn in the group. She has served as band secretary and board member and has contributed to the band's web site. Her fondest memories are performing in the Circus Parade in Milwaukee and at her home church, First United Methodist Church in Henderson, KY.

C. Roland Hill (1928-2016) is a retired businessman. He is a member of the Bloomington/Normal Community Band from which the 33rd originated. As one of the early members of the 33rd, he played an Albert System clarinet and later acquired a “Simple System” clarinet c. 1840. In recent years he switched to the D flat piccolo. He grew up in Raton, New Mexico, and came to Illinois as a Senior in High School. Without any formal music lessons as a boy, he learned to play the clarinet and saxophone. Upon retiring, he learned to play the flute and piccolo. After graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University, Roland entered the Army, married his lady, Marie Ann, and then was sent to Korea. Upon his return home, he started out in the hotel business and then expanded into coin laundries. He and Marie Ann have been married since December 1951 and have raised a son and two daughters. Their family now includes eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. They have enjoyed many years of travel including all 50 states and all of the seven continents. Roland still spends many hours playing in dance bands, combos, sax quartets, and flute choirs. He especially enjoys the camaraderie and professionalism of the 33rd. He has always said, “I expect to make music as long as I live.” Sadly, we lost Rollie, the 15th of April 2016.