Texas Tech University - La Ventana Yearbook (Lubbock, TX)

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THE BIG RED RAIDER BAND Half-time performances and backing the Raiders were not the only activities of the Tech Bands. They also partici- pated in various other events and activi- ties. The year ' s agenda included an election of a band sweetheart, banquets, picnics, barbecues, a 14 team bowling league, and a Pop ' s Concert, a new ad- dition to band Activities. Also, the Tech Stage Band made a number of appearances over West Texas and at the Student Union. The Concert Band was invited to make several guest appearances in the area and made a tour during spring vacation that began at Dallas. The bandsmen worked their way back to Lubbock, and Tech, making stops at Ri chardson, Bowie, Pampa, and Amarillo. The Tech Bands were able to pro- gress this year partially because of the support and backing from Kappa Kappa Psi, Tech band fraternity and Tau Beta Sigma, Band Sorority, Killion said. Many students believe that you have to be a music major to play in either of the Tech Bands. Killion estimated that about 40 or 50 members of the 275 were music majors. All it takes to be a member of the Big Red Raider Band is an interest in playing and an ability to work hard to produce a good sound. With the continuance in growth of Texas Tech the music department hopes for a growth in the band which will mean a more spectacular performance and a greater sound. 19

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PRESENTING The going band from Raiderland was the name applied to the 265 mem- ber Texas Tech Red Raider Band this year by Adrian Vaughn, director of public information, and many radio and TV announcers as they marched to southwest, state, and national recogni- tion. Tech ' s bandsmen showed outstanding showmanship and ability as the quick, high-stepping group completed a very successful year of fine half-time shows. Many times during the year the Red Raider Band was acclaimed The band that has never been defeated, a true statement, indeed. For the second year Dean Killion. director of Bands, used his impressive stereo type entrance to move the 230- 250 piece marching band onto the field, and to present a thrilling stereo type sound. In order to achieve high recognition and to present an enjoyable show the bandsmen had to work hard. And, al- though the band only rehearsed an hour a day, five times a week, much hustle and concentration was required to perfect the many colorful and exciting performances presented by the band. The beginning of basketball season brought out the red- jacketed Court Jes- ters — qualified members of the Tech Bands — promoting school spirit and backing the Raiders at all home games. A change from first semester to sec- ond semester saw a difference in style of music for the Tech Band — a change from the marching season to the concert season. With a total of 275 members enrolled in band, the department had to divide in to three groups — the Concert Band, the Varsity Band, and the Wind Ensemble, all under the direction of the good-natured, hard-working Killion. Practice . More Practice . Their Leader . I

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TAU BETA SIGMA net ROW ONE: Kay Brennan; Rosa Clark; Kay Castleberry; Rozanne Cannon; Carolyn Cravens. ROW TWO: Margaret Henry; Julia Key; Billye King; Janet Leachman; Tommie McCall. ROW THREE: Jonelle Minton; Sharon Morgan; Cindy Parker; Dorothy Richardson; Carolyn Sutton. ROW FOUR: Charlene West; Sandra Wolff. Tau Beta Sigma was founded in 1946. The Beta chapter is a sister organiza- tion to Kappa Kappa Psi, national band fraternity for men. Tau Beta Sigma holds as its goals — to honor men and women in the band and to help in its betterment. Through- out the year, Tau Beta Sigma members work to advance the band. They enter- tain visitors on the campus who are concerned with the band and music de- partments. They are co-sponsors in a banquet for the alumni. Membership is open to all band- women who display high qualities of bandsmenship, maintain a 1.0 grade average, and who have completed one semester of band. Tau Beta Sigma plan and hold in the spring jointly with Kappa Kappa Psi a Band Dance and Club Finale. I 20