The purpose of this study was to examine the history of the Austin High School (AHS) Girls’ Band (AHSGB) of Chicago, Illinois, which existed from 1925 to 1956. This research focused on the band’s (a) organization and leadership, (b) activities within the school and community, (c) relationship to the AHS Boys Band, and (d) efforts to challenge and support traditional gender roles of the early and mid-twentieth century. I also considered how the history of this group might provide historical context to lingering attitudes regarding female band musicians and conductors today. H. E. Nutt organized the AHSGB in fall 1925 at the request of female students and school administration. The ensemble operated similarly to the boys’ band in that it functioned on a military basis, performed as both a concert and marching unit, and competed among the boys at city band and solo contests. The AHSGB gradually moved away from the all-military approach beginning in the early 1940s and eventually assume...

A look at the bands that provided musical entertainment in the city of Sterling, Illinois.

This paper offers a brief exploration and analysis of the history of wind bands in the colony and state of New Hampshire, from the early seventeenth century to the present. My interpretations focus on the social and cultural meanings of bands, and on how these have changed over time as bands have pursued their changing roles in the military and civilian worlds. In particular I view bands as symbolic entities that have tended to convey an impression of power and a sense of community, and I analyze the ways in which the nuances of these two meanings have shifted as they have been used and responded to in various contexts over the centuries. I conclude that in general the symbolism of power has declined in modern times, while the symbolism of community has been reshaped as bands have themselves become integrated into the nostalgic self-images fashioned by New Hampshire towns.

This study examined the history of band tournaments governed by the Michigan State Band Association (MSBA), beginning with the first competition in 1877 and ending with the disbandment of the Association and tournaments in 1884. The research focused specifically on the (a) organization, rules, and procedures of the tournaments; (b) details surrounding the individual competitions held throughout the state; and (c) influence of the tournaments on local culture, participating ensembles, and future band activities in Michigan. The first Michigan State Band Tournament met in Port Huron in June 1877. Festivities included parades, massed performances, and competitions for prizes consisting of silver cups, cash, and new instruments. To ensure equal opportunity among the ensembles, bands were divided into classifications based at first on size and instrumentation and then on ability. Officials added a solo cornet contest in 1878 and expanded this event to other instruments the following year...