DCHS Music - 2

As early as 1910, Kansas schools organized the statewide Athletic Association governed by high school principals. It started as a small voluntary group of fewer than 50 schools and grew to more than 500 schools by the 1920s. Out of this association came the Kansas State High School Activities Association, which was formed in 1937.

In 1938 the "State Activities Association for the first time turned its attention to the fine arts" and started "the district music festivals in all parts of the state.

"Norton, Chanute, Pratt, Concordia, Dodge City, Salina, Topeka, and Wichita have been appointed official qualifying centers for the national contest. Winners of the district contests will be eligible to enter the national festival at Omaha on May 12-14 (Oberlin Herald March 31, 1938).

“It is estimated that 1,500 musicians from 36 schools will be in Norton for the two-day contest.” On Friday, the instrumental and vocal solos and ensembles will perform, and on Saturday the bands and orchestras will perform (Oberlin Herald, April 7, 1938).

“Norton is putting forth every effort to make this event one of the biggest in the history of the town. A special carnival company has been engaged for the two days, and one of the outstanding events will be the marching contest to be held in the city park Saturday evening” (Oberlin Herald April 7, 1938).

“Probably the biggest event of the festival will be the marching band and baton twirling contests in competition at Elmwood Park on Saturday night with 18 bands entered.

"The schools that will send bands are Atwood, Selden, Colby, Norcatur, Wakeeney, Phillipsburg, McDonald, Bird City, Goodland, Edmond, Hoxie, Almena High and Almena Grade schools, Oberlin, Oakley, Herndon, and Norton High and Norton Grade schools. [Pictured is the 1941 DCHS Marching Band.]

These district festivals were somewhat similar to our regional festivals of today. Rather than a placing like at the Hays Music Contest, the students earned a rating. In 1938, four different ratings were given for the events – HS – highly superior, S – Superior, E – excellent, and G – Good.

Today, music students earn a rating of I – superior, II – excellent, III – Good, IV – poor. In 1938, you didn’t need to get the top rating to perform at the next level, which today is State Music. Back then, instructors chose their top musicians and singers to perform at the next level, which was called Regionals.

In 1938, if a musician or group earned the HS rating – highly superior – they then qualified for nationals.

DCHS received seven “S” or superior ratings, five excellent ratings, and six good ratings. The marching band received a superior rating. In the baton twirling contest, Inez Chambers and Imogene Spear each received excellent ratings.

Also getting the superior ratings were Eunice Anderson – girls’ high voice; Gerturde Morrish – flute; Helene Wurm – saxophone; Betty Metcalf – saxophone; Carol Stevenson – violin; Myrna Raymond – string bass; and Mildred Noble – marimba.

“The entire festival proved beyond a doubt that Northwest Kansas high schools have musical organizations which are a real credit to each community” (Oberlin Herald April 14, 1938).

Eula Smith, DCHS vocal instructor, and Bert Hostinsky, band instructor, chose 12 soloists and the DCHS concert and marching bands in the Regional contest held in Hays in May.

The five-day regional event in 1938 was similar to the Hays Music Festival in the 1920’s in that it included the regular contest events but also special festival concerts that featured college groups and outstanding musicians, as well as the judges, which were from Lincoln, Neb.; Sioux City, Iowa; Chicago, and Kansas City.

“The marching band contest Saturday afternoon [was] the special festival attraction,” and the Hays American Legion also gave cash prizes totaling $150 for the top marching bands.

“It was hoped that both glee clubs could enter in the contest, but the problem of transportation faced them, and it wasn’t probable that they go” (Oberlin Herald April 28, 1938).

The marching and concert bands both received an “excellent” rating. “In the official report of the marching band, all divisions of grading received a rating of A with the exception of cadence, which was too fast in the last half of the march, and which received a rating of C” (Oberlin Herald May 19, 1938).

The following year, District Music was again held in Norton. It was also a two-day event with 145 DCHS students participating. The larger groups, such as bands and choruses, performed on Friday with the smaller groups and soloists performing on Saturday.

The marching band earned a “highly superior rating,” and qualified for the national contest held in Colorado Springs in May, which included musicians from Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Iowa.

Also qualifying for the national contest were Arris Johnson, baritone; Dale Wickham, bass horn; Gloria Benton, high voice; Gerturde Morrish, flute; Mark Cleland, French horn; Magdalene Wegener, medium voice; Mildred Noble, marimba, and Oren Hughes, trombone.

“Last Monday evening under the flood lights, the band decked out in their new maroon and gray uniforms put on an exhibition march showing the public what they will do in Colorado Springs” (Herald May 11, 1939).

At nationals, the DCHS marching band received the second division award or “superior” rating. “I am well pleased with the outcome of the contest,” said Bert Hostinsky (pictured), band director. “Each did his part, and the result was very gratifying, considering the competition the other bands offered” (Herald May 11, 1939).

Mark Cleland on French horn received the only first division or “highly superior” rating given to Oberlin students at Nationals.

Drum Major - Darrell Landau; twirlers - Zola Maggard, Janice Jacobs, Inez Chambers, Corrine Johnston, Imogene Spear; Flutes and piccolo - Gertrude Morrish, Carollee Relph, Charlotte Stevenson, Wilma Lou George, John Benda, Bill Smick; clarinets - Charles Maddox, Irene Walker, Virgil Hughes, Dorren Paddock, Ardve Relph, Bob Jorn, Elda Johnson, Greta Sproul, Betty Brown, Alice Beardsley, Annette Hoffman, Joyce VanGundy, Gerald Rezner, Bette Jaderborg, Elynor Walker, Edith Smick, Avis Willcoxon, Phyllis Betts, Marjorie Noel, George Nellans, Vivian King, Maxine Cronk; oboe - Nadine Alstrom; saxophone - Betty Raymond, Betty Metcalf, Elsie Smith, Louise Corey, Floyd Bryan, Evelyn Reith; baritone - Arris Johnson, Dale Claar, Ila Chilson, Evelyn Cullison, Junior Myers, Glen Miller, Norton Frickey; bassoon - Karoline May; cornet - Bard Claar, Dixie Lee Patton, Darrell Landau, Howard Janousek, Joan Rothweiler, Premysl Ruzicka, Vincent Landau, Willis Cullison, Virginia Harmon, Lois Bogart, Anita Duvall, Bernadine McEwen, Virgil McKenzie, Otis Harmon, Paul Nitsch, Jr., LeRoy Schmidt, Evelyn Rockwell; French horn - Mark Cleland, Arlene Linn, Lela Huber, Nola Ridgway, Joe Ridgway, Audrey Waterman; trombone - Oren Hughes, Myron Johnson, Sidney Morrish, Virgil Wenger, Glenvyn Hayward, Lawrence Frickey, LaVern Ruzicka, Gordon Claar, Warren Kump; bass horn - Dennis Nelson, Dale Wickham, Keith Chambers, James Staley, Dwane Eiler, Allen Richards, Glen Flaska; bass drum - Gloria Benton; Scotch drum, tympani - Carol Stevenson; marimba, glockenspiel - Mildred Noble; snare drum - Forrest Gierhart, John Richards, Agnes Johnston, Mirth Coulter, Elaine Bradley.

In 1940, both the DCHS Band and the DCHS Choir earned “highly superior” ratings at the Goodland District Festival and qualified for nationals in Kansas City.

Also receiving the top rating were Zola Maggard, twirling; Magdalene Wegener, girls’ medium voice; Myron Johnson, trombone; Elynore Walker, clarinet; Elsie Smith, saxophone; Harold Miller, baritone; Charlotte Stevenson, piccolo; the flute trio, and the boys’ octet.

“Although the trip was marred by two accidents, no one was badly hurt, and those two are the first to spoil a record of no accidents in the past seven years of transporting band students many hundred miles” (Oberlin Herald April 18, 1940).

[I could find nothing in the papers about a regional festival or nationals, so maybe DCHS did not attend? In the May 2, 1940, Oberlin Herald, I found an article about the DCHS band competing for cash prize at the dedication of the refinery in Phillipsburg, which stated, "This is the last trip of the year, and it is hoped that the entire band can be in Phillipsburg Saturday," so perhaps the band didn't go to nationals because of the cost.]

A few weeks later, there was an interesting editorial in the May 16 Oberlin Herald:

"An illustration of mob psychology in action, showing the extent to which individuals may be led with a little planned leadership was made evident here Friday afternoon - much to the regret of many citizens and hardly to the glory of anyone.

"Of course the high school students that took part in the parade and called upon members of the school board were acting within their full rights of open assemblage and free speech - and most of them were merely following the leaders and having a good time much as they would at a pep meeting.

"But there is a vast difference between the pep meeting that is inspired by and on behalf of the entire student body, faculty, and the spirit of the school. Such a meeting and parade of pep and enthusiasm is a wholesome thing for the school, and those taking part in it.

"On the contrary, such a demonstration as was exhibited last week can bring no possible good to any individual, the school, or the community. . . Many students, when they learned the purpose of the parade, dropped out and refused to take part in such a demonstration. . .An illustration of the effect it had on many taxpayers and patrons of the school might be deducted from the remark of a taxpayer, who when the delegation came from one of the board members said, 'I hope we don't have a band next year.' That remark was made by the parent of two high school students.

"The whole thing was a regrettable incident, and perhaps those taking part in it will be as glad to forget about it as are all others interested in the welfare of Decatur Community High School."

--So what were the students demonstrating? (I couldn't find any more information.)

The DCHS band qualified for nationals again in 1941 by earning the rating of "highly superior" at the Northwest District Festival held in Goodland. Also qualifying for nationals were Willis Cullison, French horn; Forrest Gierhart, drums; and Imogene Spear, baton twirling. Directing the band this year was Gerald Weaver.

I could find nothing about nationals, so I assume DCHS didn't go.

Most of the league schools decided to send only ensembles and soloists to the district festival in 1942, 1943, and 1944 which meant no bands or choirs or glee clubs.

"War priorities are definitely limiting the number taken into competition, but nonetheless, this contest means much in the lives and thoughts of the music students as well as to the whole school" (Decatur Dictator April 12, 1943).

Earning the top rating of highly superior in 1942 were the mixed ensemble, Glenn Flaska, tuba; Elda Johnson, bass clarinet; and Gordon Clarr, trombone.

Below is the Mixed Ensemble:

In 1943, only 86 students from 11 schools entered the district festival at Phillipsburg; 27 were from DCHS.

Earning the best rating of "highly superior" were Harry Yelek, vocal solo; Gordon Claar, trombone; Dwight Chambers, bass horn; brass sextet (Paul Nitsch, Max Miller, Lorraine Larson, Dixie Riley, Gordon Claar, and Dwight Chambers), and the drum ensemble (Si Shaw, Shirley Roshong, Bonnie Shaw, and Joan Lippelmann).

Those earning "highly superior" in 1944 were Dwight Chambers, sousaphone; Mirla Rae Johnson, flute; the drum ensemble, and the brass sextet.

DCHS hosted its first district festival in 1945, which included bands and choirs - unlike the previous three years. At first, DCHS was planning a two-day event, but it was later changed to just a one-day event. E. A. Thomas, director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association, advised Superintendent H.G. Mahon that music festivals that year would be conducted in one day because of transportation difficulties and the problem of housing so many over-night visitors. To help handle all of the events in one day, three judges were used, instead of two (Oberlin Herald March 29, 1945).

Compared to the previous three years, more schools and students participated. Eighteen schools entered over 700 students in the festival, including Jennings, Selden, Norcatur, Hoxie, Norton, Goodland, MacDonald, Bird City, Long Island, Monument, Edson, Brewster, Grinnell, Almena, St. Francis, Atwood, Colby, and Oberlin. DCHS entered 97 students in the festival, more than any other school.

Supt. Mahon (pictured) said that the “music event will tax to capacity all Oberlin’s facilities as host city. . .The community, students, and teachers are being urged to see the magnitude of the problems of caring for such a large representation” (Oberlin Herald March 22, 1945).

To help the festival run smoothly, several students from the secretarial department were assigned to take shorthand notes on the judges’ decisions. After the notes were transcribed and typed up, these were sent to the instructors and students (Oberlin Herald March 29, 1945).

Other students and teachers were also used to assist visitors to rooms where they could “get in final readiness for their presentations. With such a group of guests, it is likely that all the teachers and many students will have responsibilities to carry on the day’s program efficiently” (Oberlin Herald April 5, 1945).

Today it still takes many teachers and community members to help run the music festival – door monitors, someone at an information table to answer questions and provide maps of the school, runners to pick up rating sheets from the different performance rooms, office help to enter the ratings into the computer and then post the results in the hallway, someone to organize the adjudication forms and music into individual envelopes for the directors to take with them when they leave, someone to provide a hospitality room, and someone to organize and serve lunch for the music directors and clinicians. It also takes several students to help prepare the performance rooms - setting up chairs for the audience and music stands for the performers and putting percussion instruments in the gym for other schools to use.

In 1945, the Oberlin Herald wrote “the program will be somewhat elaborate in that during some parts of the day, the schedule shows the numbers being presented concurrently in the auditorium, the little theater, [which is the vocal room], and room 110” (April 5, 1945).

Today, we also use the band room, the library, and the gym – all running concurrently.

1945 was the first time that KSHSAA used a number system for the ratings: I – superior, II – excellent, III – Good. Earning I's for DCHS were the DCHS Band, Billy Lea Bowman, baritone and vocal solo; Joan Hall, violin; Marcille Armstrong, clarinet; and Mirla Rae Johnson, flute.

"Because of the cooperation and work of the many students teachers, the music festival, which was held here last Friday and Saturday was a complete success" (Oberlin Herald April 12, 1945).

Both the band and the mixed choir earned I's at regional festival.

If anyone can help with names, please email them to me at lirmbrenda@gmail.com.

1948 marked the first time in several years that DCHS musicians attended the state festival in Hays. Earning I's at district festival in Colby and qualifying for state were the girls' triple trio *, boys' quartet; trumpet trio, drum trio*, senior girls' trio, vocal soloists - Patty Artery, Carol Wenger*, Olive Railsback, Delmer Anderson; Don Kump*, drum solo; and Frances Henningson*, piano solo.

* indicates a I at the State Festival

Girls' triple trio - Patty Artery, Patty Shannon, Marilyn Everist, Carol Wenger, Joanne Ater, Olive Railsback, Betty Keefer, Virginia Hahn, Mary Lou Bendon

Boys' quartet - Delmer Anderson, Bob Keefer, Dick Roshong, Don Kump

Trumpet trio - Bob Keefer, Norma Votapka, Frances Henningson

Drum trio - Don Kump, Delmer Anderson, Dick Roshong

Senior girls' trio - Marilyn Everist, Carol Wenger, Virginia Hahn

DCHS again hosted the district music festival in 1950, 1951, 1952 and 1953.

By 1950, it was back to a two-day event and involved 1,400 students from 25 schools. Large groups and ensembles performed on Friday, and solos on Saturday.

The solos and small ensembles earning the top rating of a I were eligible to enter the state music festival April 29 in Hays. Bands and choirs were not eligible for state.

DCHS earned sixteen I's in 1950 - including the band, the choir, and the girls' glee club.

Also earning I's were Frances Henningson, piano; vocal solos - Patty Shannon, Joanne Ater*, and Mary Lou Bendon,* senior trio*, and triple trio*, Billie McClure, french horn; Enid Worcester, bassoon; Bob Keefer*, cornet; Terry Brainard, drums; Virginia Vernon, trombone; horn quartet, trumpet trio, and brass quartet. ( * indicates a I at the State Festival)

In 1951, nearly 1,500 students participated in the district festival. Earning a trip to state were Charlotte Urling, voice; Eleanor Olson, voice; Frances Henningson, piano; Ruth Laidig, drums; Billie McClure,* French horn; Nancy Johnson,* bass horn; Rex Rasmussen, cornet; Terry Brainard*, drums; the drum quartet*, the brass sextet, the brass quartet, clarinet quartet, boys' quartet, the junior trio, senior trio, and the triple trio*. (* indicates a I at the State Festival)

The mixed chorus (pictured) also earned a I.

DCHS students earned twenty-eight I's in 1952: vocal solos - Jack Metcalf, Phillip Erickson*, Don Shaw, Sam Yancey, Rex Rasmussen, Charlotte Urling, Lynne Gaumer, Carol Shannon*, Jeanice Hickson; piano solo - Ruth Laidig*; instrumental solos - Terry Brainard", Billie McClure*, Nancy Johnson*, Rex Rasmussen, Phillip Law, Virginia Vernon, Ruth Laidig; ensembles - clarinet quartet, cornet trio, drum quartet, drum trio*, boys' sextet*, girl's trio*, girls' triple trio*, the DCHS band, mixed chorus, boys' glee club, and the girls' glee club. (* = I at state. The larger groups are ineligible for state.)

In 1953, DCHS earned twenty-three I's: drum quartet, drum trip, brass sextet*, trombone quartet, triple trio, boys' sestet, Ruth Laidig* - piano; instrumental solos - Marcia Petracek, sax; Phillip Law - cornet; Virginia Vernon, trombone; Nancy Janousek*, French horn; Ruth Laidig* - drums; vocal solos - Lynne Gaumer*, Charlotte Urling, Don Shaw, Jack Metcalf, Phillip Erickson, Eleanor Olson, Leila Raultson.

The DCHS band, mixed chorus, girls' glee club, and the boys' glee club also earned I's.

In 1954 and 1955, the district festival was held in Colby. The Oberlin Herald mentioned in the April 1, 1954, edition that "Transportation by car will be provided by faculty members, parents, and students. Each student going to Colby will pay a dollar, which will be used for traveling expenses."

1954 Band

In 1951, a new group was formed - the DCHS Madrigals, which was the forerunner of the DCHS Singers. Can anyone help with names? Please email me at lirmbrenda@gmail. com.

Thank you for reading!

Up next - A lull - and then a boom!