Petersburg Harris High School - Sphinx Yearbook (Petersburg, IL)

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PRELUDE Over lyis lceys tlie musing organist, Beginning doulvtfully and far away, first lets lyis Hngers wander as tlaey list, And builds a lrridge from Dreamland for liis lay, jloen as tlie toucly of lyis loved instrument Qiues lyope and fervor, near draws liis tlveme '... H Uur memory lzoolc, agectionately dedicated to Thomas D Basso, a great liand instructor, Could liave lmt one tlieme Fltle cliose to Say 7t FWitlJ Wlusicn o o o OL' MAN RIVER Page Two

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---THE SPHINX4' I 9417 VOL.Vl I I O Published by the SENIOR CLASS PETERSBURG HARRIS COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOCJL PETERSBURG, ILLINOIS

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q . THOMAS D. BASSO DEDICATION During the course of our stay at Petersburg Harris High School, we en- joyed the friendly guidance of our bandmaster, Mr. Thomas D. Basso. Under his instruction the band has gained in number and in ability-both fitting tributes to his well directed training. During the latter part of 1946, Mr. Basso was forced by failing health, to resign his position as bandleader. In tribute to his contribution to us and to our school, we feel that it is only fitting that we should honor him here. Mr. Basso's musical education began soon in life. At an early age he was quite expert at playing a number of musical instruments. After his graduation from Athens High School, he won the position of first clarinet in the Fort Totten, New York Army Band. He held this position for three years, at the end of which time he again entered civilian life. In the famed Lengenous School of Music in New York City, Mr. Basso furthered his desire to become a teacher of music. For seven years he was on the faculty of the University of Wisconsin in their excellent Summer School of Music. He then opened a private studio in Springfield, and for fifteen years taught wood winds, played professionally in the Orpheum Theater Orchestra, and taught clarinet at the Springfield College of Music. After dis- continuing his professional playing, he became instructor of music at Cathedral High School, Springfield, Illinois. In 1929, Mr. Basso came to Petersburg to organize our band which then boasted only eighteen members. Today there are forty-two persons,enjoying the benefits provided by the band. In 1932, in their third year as a band, the Petersburg Band placed sec- ond in the National Contest at Evanston, Illinois. This is a record approached only by a band that went to the National in their fourth year. Our band has the further distinction of going to the National two years in succession, placing second both years. In 1934, Mr. Basso left Petersburg to go to Bethany, Illinois, and in 1936, he became director of music at Waupum, Wisconsin. ln 1942, Mr. Basso returned to Petersburg, and under his careful, patient supervision the band flourished. Today the band is known in our section for its fine work. It is not the idea of this dedication to give the life history of Mr. Basso, but to record a few of his accomplishments. He has made a lasting place in the hearts not only of all his band students, but also of the entire student body. To THoMAs D. Basso, bandleader, teacher, and friend, this book is affec- tionately dedicated. Page Three