Elk River High School - Elkonian Yearbook (Elk River, MN)

Page 39 text:

EL The Elk River High School Band, numbering twenty-eight pieces, has been a real success since its organization four years ago. Through the instruction and clforts of our present band master, Mr. Elder, the organization has exceeded all other years in development. More time has been devoted in the building up of a foundation than ever before, this being the most essential factor in band work. At the beginning of the school year the prospects for the band looked some- what discouraging. Only about a dozen young, ambitious-looking musicians re- ported for practice although there was plenty of material roaming about the school. Something was wrong somewhere and an investigation revealed the fact that this so-called material was so busy during school periods that they could not spare any time for band. This being the obstacle, the rehearsal period was chang- ed to the noon hour, which immediately brought results in the form of an increase in membership to almost thirty. Later the band gave evening concerts at Zimmerman and Becker. They played for the Anoka High School assembly, traveled to St. Cloud and played in the District Contest, where they won first place and a beautiful bronze medallion. On Friday, the first day of May, they played at the State Contest at Minne- apolis, where they won fourth place. On VVednesday, May 26, at 2:30 P. M., they played over VVCCO at the Nicollet Hotel, Minneapolis. Xvhile they were playing the director informed Mr. Cooper that it was the best high school band that had ever played over VVCCO, and invited the organization back to play on the evening of Friday, .lune 18, from 8:30 to 9:30 P. M. VK-le are indeed proud of our band of l926, and the honors which they have won for theyschool. The band's first appearance was at Monticello during a football game. Al- though this was not a pleasant trip due to the cold weather, the boys had such a good time watching the gridders defeat their up-river opponents that they forgot about the temperature. Their next performances were at two of the football games on the home grounds, plus numerous basketball games in the pavilion and informal entertainment in the assembly 1'oom. Below are some of the places where the Elk River High School Band has been heard: Milaca St. Cloud Minneapolis fltoys' weekj Mora Bertha Princeton VVaukon Clear Lake Big Lake Anoka Zimmerman Becker Four Radio Concerts, VVCCO Monticello Minnesota State Fair Roy Moos- I think? Mrs. Burns- It isn't possible. Photographer- Now look pleasant a moment, Mr. Freeberg. fclick of cameraj Photographer- All right, you may resume your natural expression. Page Tlzirfy-.rrririi

Page 38 text:

EL PERSONNEL OF BAND Director ,, ,,,.,,,,.,.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,x,.,,,,.,...,,.........,,.........,....... ...... N V. Elder Cornets-Richard l-Ialter, Lawrence Cornelius. Clarinets-XVillard Nelson, Albin Keays, Kenneth Sellon, Merton Foley, LeRoy Holzom, Harold Banl-ze, Alfred Brown, Cyril Mc- Bride, Lester Carr, Jack Roberts. Soprano Saxophone ..............................,............ ...........,.. R ussell Plank Alto Saxophone ....................................................................,. Gerald Fellows Tenor Saxophone .,..,..,. .,,.,..,...,.,....,,..,,..,,................,... T heodore Engstrom Alto Horns-George Trask, Russell Swanson, Lloyd Roberts. Trombones-Elmer Heddon, Sammie Glidden, Harold Gonyea. Baritones---Ilowarfl lilurray, Howard Wlaketield. Bass-Lyle Hanson, Iflerman liargabus. Snare Drums .....,......,.,...,................,...........,..,.............. ........ D onald Nelles Bass Drum ..,,.,,,,,,,,,,,.,,,.,.,,,,,..,,.,,..,,,.l.,.,,,.,,,.,.,..,.,,.,,,,,....,....... Allen .Kurrasch Although the junior Hand is hardly heard outside of the Band room, it is just as essential to the regular band as a foundation is to a house, because this little Band is our future Band. The junior Band consists of twenty members. At first each new member is instructed privately to assure his getting the proper start and later is taken into the class. VVith the others he is then drilled on the fundamentals of music and on how to apply them to his instrument. Since clarinets are the predominating instru- ments in Band music, it has been arranged to have a large percentage playing clarinets. Next year those showing suflicient ability in handling their instruments will be admitted to the regular band. ' VVe have hopes for a High School orchestra next year under the direction of Mr. Elder. Page Tlzirly-six

Page 40 text:

EL Pagc Tl1irfy-eight