THE FIRST NEBRASKA BANDMASTERS

The current Nebraska State Bandmaster's Association was predated by earlier attempts to organize the BandDirectors of Nebraska. Prior to 1936 there was a loosely knit group formed that carried no formal title and served no functional purpose. It wasn't until 1936 that a serious attempt was made to organize the "Bandmen" of Nebraska. The title of "Bandmen" was seemingly appropriate since women were not prevalent in the profession at this time. There are two women in the group picture from the initial convention in 1936. (However, the initial membership list includes no women).

There is no question that Arthur G Harrell was the moving force to get some type of a state musical organization started in Nebraska. I want to include the opening paragraph of a letter he wrote to bandmen throughout the state. He states: "For some time it has been the feeling of several of the bandmen throughout the state that we should have some type of organization for the band and orchestra men. (At this juncture in our history, the bandman was also the Orchestra Director in almost every instance). It is also our feeling that this organization, whatever its final form may be, is not to replace any existing organization or even to set up any opposition to any existing program but simply to provide a means of bringing into closer unity and harmony those of us engaged in a common undertaking and to provide a means of instruction, clinic discussion and fellowship." You will note that the philosophy he espoused is still sacred here in Nebraska as several different organizations exist side by side and work for one common goal‑‑‑that which is best for Nebraska.

Mr. Harrell had conducted a personal survey of several states that had active organizations and presented a set of ideas he felt could and should be adapted in Nebraska. He suggested an initial dues structure of $3.00, the type of clinic to be held, a clinic band and orchestra made up of high school students to rehearse and play a concert, guest conductors and how to proceed to develop a structure for an association. He suggested that a meeting be held on May 2, 1936 during the State Contest in Kearney. (The State Contests will be discussed at a later date) The actual date was May 1, 1936. The Nebraska Bandmasters Association was selected as the name for the organization and officers elected. They were: Arthur G. Harrell of Kearney, President; Leo Moody of Scottsbluff, Vice‑President and James Johnson of Stanton as Secretary‑Treasurer. An initial program format was suggested and carried to a meeting in Kearney on September 30, 1936. R. Cedric Anderson had been selected as clinic chair to organize the first clinic/convention program. The Executive Committee and the Clinic Committee met in Kearney on Sunday, October 11, 1936 at which time plans were finalized for the clinic.

The preliminary program was discussed and offered ideas for band reading sessions, workshops by the conductors and clinic sessions. There was to be an annual banquet (cost--65 cents) the and the first annual Band Directors "smoker". Specific session ideas included interpretation, conducting, teaching brass teaching fundamentals, organization, grade school instruction, marching band, drum major technique, baton technique, band maneuvers, flute and French horn.

Guest clinicians for the inaugural clinic were Carleton Stewart, H. A. Vandercook, H.E. Nutt, Mr. E.J. Fitchhorn, Charles Ledwith and the Hastings College and Hastings High Drum Majors. Guest Conductors, Stewart, Vandercook and Nutt all rehearsed thelO4 piece clinic band, each conducting three selections. This first Nebraska Bandmasters Association Clinic was held in Hastings November 26, 27 and 28 1936. A picture in this writers hands has the date inscribed on the photo----finally being able to identify the band as the first clinic band. In addition, there is a photo in my possession of the 101 Band Directors in attendance with the above dates inscribed. The charter membership list is included with the 1936 clinic minutes and about two thirds of the directors are identified in the photo. Not to be offensive to the women reading this but---there were no women in the initial Nebraska Bandmasters Association membership list. Get this ---Income for the initial clinic was $509.15 and expenses $459.00. The three headline clinicians received $55.00 each and they traveled from Chicago.

Reading all the minutes and related material suggests what a bold move this must have been in 1936. Arthur G. Harrell certainly provided the right inspiration but there was obviously strong leadership available to support his effort. This was just the first step as the Nebraska Bandmasters Association and the Nebraska Choral Directors Association, along with the Orchestra Directors elected to form one Association, The Nebraska Music Educators Association. The Nebraska Bandmasters Association was active until the formal business meeting in November 1937 when it was decided to let the Choral Directors become part of the broader Nebraska Music Educator's Association.