I, the Kornerman, in a recent visit to my very favorite local bakery, was approached by a group wondering who the Toreador band director was following the Gordon McLean era.
Instinctively, I mentioned Ellsworth Baldwin. However, that was years before McLean. In fact, he was the band director during MY high school days. So, other than that, I had no clue.
However, that exchange was just what was needed by an 89-year old with nothing better to do than wait for Spring to arrive in Iowa.
So, I've put in the time, done the research and can now report on who led the Boone High band program during the 40-year period I was most familiar with. AND, as long as I'm investing, why not take a backward look also at BHS orchestra and vocal music instructors during that same period of time?
HERE WE GO......BHS BAND DIRECTORS, 1950-1988.
Yes, it was Ellsworth Baldwin from 1950-53. Raymond Bartholomew then took the reins from 1954-57. McLean was in charge from 1958-64 and in answer to the question asked, Don Jackson was the director from 1965-69. Dave Darnell served from 1970-77 before moving on to Mason City.
There's a bit of a question in the 77-78 period. A Keith Thomas is mentioned as well as Richard Humeston. I recall Mr Humeston came to BHS from United Community and, actually, spent many years in the band program, primarily serving younger participants. Then too, there were others who devoted time to the music programs. Marilyn Goeldner and Jo Howell come to mind.
Dave Richardson took the program in 1980 and continued through '88 which concluded my survey. Dave, of course, continued past 1988 for several more years.
The definite personal memory I have of the band during the years occurred, of course, in 1963, when the proud Toreadors were invited to participate in the annual Rose Bowl parade and did so after raising enough community money to make that long journey.
BHS ORCHESTRA DIRECTORS, 1950-1988
Stability reined in this program. There were only three directors in that period of time. Konrad Scholl began his long run in 1950 and 1973 was his final year. James Strang took over from 1974-80. Two directors were listed for 1981, a Miss Mathews and a Miss Betten. Dave Swenson directed the program from 1982-88 and beyond.
Personally, I have a memory or two of the BHS orchestra. I can't be more specific but I remember when the very respected Mr. Scholl took the orchestra on at least two out-of-state trips to perform at the invitation of some national music organizations. I recall that one of the trips was to Fort Wayne, Indiana for a band directors or etc. convention.
Then, I also have a memory of an embarrassing Scholl incident. Konrad Scholl, to this young student, was a towering figure, very straight forward and proud. But, I do remember some type of a gathering in the auditorium when Konrad took the podium. When he started his big "sweeping" motion to start the performance, somehow, he lost his grip on the baton and it went sailing across the crowd. Needless to say, he was very flummoxed by the situation which drew various unwanted reactions from those in attendance.
BHS VOCAL MUSIC INSTRUCTORS, 1950-1988
LouCelle Nelson was my vocal music instructor (yes, I was a member of the choir), 1950-52. A Mr. Hess took over in 1953-54 and then it was Sterlng Mische from 1955-60. James Scammon followed from 1961-64, Oswald Bertanoli in 1965-66, Robert Davis 1967-68, Joyce Carman 1969-71, Mahlon Smith from 1972-74 and then came a long run by Steve Carstenson from 1975 until he moved to Ankeny after 1986. At the end of the 80's, Pam Grundstad took charge.
There you have some memory makers from your school days during the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the work of my good friend, Jerry Manriquez, BHS-57, who, through his many years of tireless research work, made possible many of these memories of school and community events. In case you're interested and are unaware. Although he has ceased his operation, much of his material is still available.......simply type in "Jerry Manriquez" and Manriquez World will appear. Tab that and you'll find enough Boone material he has accumulated to pass time on cold winter nights.
K-----K
Worldwide Korner headquarters are located at 928 South Jackson, Boone, Iowa 50036-4932. Phone number is 515-432-1530. Leave a message. To email your stories/memories/comments/death notices.......https://kelleyskorner1@blogspot.com.
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