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From the beginning the New Brighton High School Band proved to be a winner. I n 1923, under the direction of Miss Katherine Keach, the band won first place in a contest held at Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pa.
Miss Keach was a dedicated director who spent many hours teaching her students better orchestral methods of playing. Under her expert direction, an orchestra was formed for students who had played at least one year.
The year 1929 holds many memories for the band members. The school bought new uniforms in time for the Beaver Falls-New Brighton football game and they showed their rival band a grand performance. The white trousers and crimson and gold capes topped off with crimson and gold hats made a snappy looking band. The band also traveled to Pittsburgh for the W.P.I.A.L. game and gave a noteworthy performance.
On January 30, 1930, the band took part in the dedication services of the new gymnasium. New instruments were purchased and the band participated in the first band concert in Beaver Valley which was held in the Beaver High School Auditorium.
In 1931, the merchants of New Brighton made possible two trips for the band. One trip was to Follansbee, West Virginia with the football team and another the band accompanied the basketball team to Pittsburgh, Pa.
In 1932, Dorothy Horstman and William Smith were named the bands first librarians. Their jobs included filing and distributing the music.
The band participated in the 1932 Halloween Parade held in New Brighton and won second prize. This band had the honor of playing at a Geneva College home football game. After a year of remarkable performances the band were guests of Granada Theater in Beaver Falls to see the show Touchdown.
Beginning in 1934, the orchestra played in the chapel every Thursday morning. Mr. Anthony felt it would give his students more experience in playing before a group of people. The students gained selfconfidence and the entire student body enjoyed the performances.
The year 1935 was one of fund raising for new uniforms. The townspeople started the campaign and the students gave their free time after school and on Saturdays for door-to-door donations. The girls in the band made an American Flag and a school flag which greatly improved the appearance of the band.
In 1936, New Brighton received honorable mention at the Thanksgiving and Armistice Day Parades. For aiding the community during the Christmas season the band was rewarded with a dinner given by the Citizens Association. This same year Betty Householder was chosen to hold the position as the first drum major.
By 1938 the band proved to be one of the best in the county when they won first prize in the annual Christmas Parade and received honorable mention in the Armistice Day Parade.
In 1940, the band marched home with second prize for the best trained band at the annual Armistice Day Parade held in Rochester, Pa.
Another milestone was set in 1941, when new band uniforms were purchased for the sixty-nine members. The largest group of students were sent to the second annual Midwest Band held in Punxsutawney, in March. The students included: Dorothy Jack, Jeane Thomas, John Herr, Alice Jean Anderson, Georgia Bradshaw, Ruth Hickey, Dick Genone, Marion Hays, Merle Meeder, Ed Levin, Andy Ellis, Eugene Bowen and Jerome Crawford.
In a competitive Halloween Parade held in New Brighton, in 1944, the majorettes, Mary Jane Billig, Ruth Capo, Sally Capper, Geraldine Hummel, Jean Mittner and Jean Shroads twirled to a second prize.
Thirty dollars was added to their laurels when the band won second prize in the Armistice Day parade at Midland on November 11, 1945.
Clarence Lynn displayed his skill by twirling flaming batons to the bands fine tunes while Henry Boyd won applause when he twirled three batons at the same time! Both Clarence and Henry's talents were missed upon their graduation in 1945.
Mr. Glenn Davis appointed the first band manager in 1947. Earl Kirchner won the honor and helped organize the fifty-seven band members.
Do you remember the splendid performance the sixty-seven band members put on at the New Brighton-Beaver Falls football game when they entertained the huge crowd with tunes and formations pertaining to World War I in September 1950? Those who saw the show will remember the standing ovation the band received as they marched from the field.
In 1951, the band had seventy-five entertaining members under the direction of the new maestro, Mr. Long. Another outstanding performance was with the merry-go-round and its painted horses. The majorettes served as an added attraction with their high stepping, lighted batons and their race around the track that was formed by the band.
The band elected officers fort he first time in 1952. Students elected were: Harold Molter, Nancy Couch, Susan Hamilton, Joann Douglass, Harriet Calhoon, Jay Funkhouser, Elmer Check, John Hopkins and Don Myers. This innovation helped the group run smoothly resulting in a better band.
In 1953, the group "Hungary Five" became known as the "Starving Six" when a drummer was added. They entertained with lively jazz numbers at football banquets and pep rallies.
Under director, Mr. Robert Drumm in 1953, a new "Pit Band" was organized. They organized their talents playing modern theatrical music for the class plays.
Ninety hard-working musicians, under the direction of Mr. Richard Rice, added sparkle to the 1955 Spring Concert which consisted of marches, overtures and jazz numbers.
The largest speciality group in 1956 was the fourteen piece "Dance Band." They performed for the first time, in front of an audience, at the Spring Concert in March. The "Combo Band" entertained with lively music during assemblies, crownings and special activities.
November 14, 1957 was a special day for the band members who traveled to Grove City, Pa., where they heard a magnificent performance by the United States Marine Corp. Band.
Students sent to the Midwest Band in January, 1957, held at Knox, Pa., were: Elizabeth Evans, Walter McDanel, Tom Gillespie, Richard Dunkerley, Don Bosworth and Dale Funkhouser.
Merle Shanor, speciality twirler, exhibited his talents at parades and at half-time during the football seasons from 1958-1960.
It was in 1960 when New Brighton hosted the Midwest Band Festival. Guest director was Mr. Lawence Stitt of Indiana State Teachers College.
Themes for the 1961 Crimson and Gold Marching Band varied from the show honoring the World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates to the show nominating a candidate for President. Outstanding among the halftime performances was the gay, festive Mardi Gras skit presented at the Beaver Falls football game. Under the baton of Mr. Maxwell, this unit also provided martial music for numerous parades.
New Brighton was presented again in 1961 when Ronald Alexander, Janet Druschel, Carol Frank, Robert Harpold, Jon Thomas and Richard Wilson were selected for their outstanding talent to play in the Midwest Band at Sharpsville, Pa.
In 1962, Elaine Bell, Angella Bradick, Robert Cephas, Curtis Frank, Nancy Holland and Loretta Ours traveled to Lakeview High School in Stoneboro to perform with the Midwest Band. Robert Cephas displayed his talent with the State Band.
On February 2, 1963, Angella Bradick, Edward Smarsh, Susan Ledebur, Joyce Nicholson, JoAnn Carpenter and Loretta Ours traveled to West Middlesex to the Midwest Band. In April, Angella Bradick, Loretta Ours and Edward Smarsh went to New Castle to play in the State Band.
"Not as good as; but better than," was the motto for the 1964 band under the leadership of Mr. Theodore Koenig. New uniforms were purchased and displayed during a kick-line performance, accompanied by the Dixieland Band, during a halftime football game.
Representing the school at Bessemer, for the Midwest Band, were: Sharon Boyer, Joyce Nicholson, Loretta Ours, Edward Smarsh, Mary Totera and Kathy Trella.
Long, hard practice sessions paid off when
the Crimson and Gold Band traveled to Montreal for Expo '67. The
students raised money for the trip by Saturday car washes and
selling candy.
In 1967, Ruth Heble, speciality twirler, was joined by Sally Stitt
for performances featuring fire batons during half-time shows
at the home football games. In 1970, Sally was chosen to display
her twirling talents when she became New Brighton's "Golden
Girl." Debbie Swager and Karen March twirled their way to
become "Crimson Twins" and held those positions until
they graduated in 1971. Sharon Graff was chosen "Golden Girl"
in 1971.
The position of "Crimson Girl" was established in 1972 with Janice Homitz receiving the honor. The same year a Drill Team was established consisting of eight Lancers, sixteen Lionettes, and ten alternates. In 1974, the Drill team added eight rifles, which the girls gracefully twirled to the music. The Drill Team has proved to be an excellent addition to the band.
In 1975 and 1976, the Marching Lion Pride Band traveled to Washington, Pa., and captured first place in the Battle of the Bands competition.
In 1975, Laura Thompson, Renee Bork and Betty Jo Spickerman were chosen to the Midwest Band.
Representing New Brighton in the District Band in 1976 were: Christy Berchtold, Mary Brashears, Lisa Krut, Phil Heim, Clay Beringer and Mark Bowker.
In 1977, Patti Silk was chosen speciality twirler and displayed her talents as the band marched to a second place win in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Pittsburgh. This same year the band was selected to appear in the Gimble's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia. The Stage Band performed, in concert, during the Three Rivers Arts Festival in Pittsburgh.
The Marching Lion Pride was selected to appear in the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival held in Winchester, Virginia in 1978. They won first place in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Pittsburgh and finished first in the Geneva College Homecoming Parade held in Beaver Falls.
Tammi Boehm and Dave Bowker represented New Brighton at District Band in 1978. Dave was also named to the Honors Band.
It was in September 1979 when the band members and their families tuned in Evening Magazine on Channel 2. The band had the honor of being the first and only Western Pennsylvania band selected as the subject of a feature story on the show.
The Marching Lion Pride also won first place in the 1979 Geneva College Homecoming Parade and placed second in the 1980 St. Patrick's Day Parade held in Pittsburgh.
New Brighton football fans remember the performance displayed by the outstanding members of the 1980 band. It was not uncommon for the band to receive standing ovations for their talent. The band always brought the fans to their feet with their magnificent performance featuring the song "Ice Palace," as they gracefully marched down the field. All their hard work paid of when they were invited to participate in the 1980 Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit, Michigan.
After the seven hour bus trip to Dearborn, Michigan, the students enjoyed breakfast at Denny's Restaurant. The rest of the day was spent touring the Henry Ford Museum. The highlights of the day was the pizza and disco party held for the students at the Ramada Inn.
All of New Brighton watched the parade on television and saw the grand performance displayed by the talented musicians from their hometown. Despite flurries of snow, freezing temperatures and frostbite hands and feet, the Marching Lion Pride kept their spirits high, and gave the nation a noteworthy performance. New Brighton was a very proud town - their band was the first Beaver County band to appear on nationwide television.
Following the parade the band enjoyed Thanksgiving Dinner at the Sueden House Restaurant. That afternoon the band departed for home and all members returned with an experience they will never forget.
In 1981, Christine Deane, Theresa Saiko, Lynn Scherer, Tina Powers, Bill Kashella and Jodilyn Kennedy represented the school at the Honors Band. Sent to Regional Band were: Tammi Fabyanic, Christine Deane, Bill Kashella and Lynn Scherer. District representatives were: Christine Deane, Lynn Scherer, Theresa Saiko, Bill Kashella, Tina Powers and Jodilyn Kennedy.
In 1982, Lynn Scherer and Ed Kashella represented the band in the All State Band. District Representatives were: Wendy Young, Tammi Fabyanic, Jim Battaglia, Lynn Scherer, Ed Kashella and LeAnne Krut.
In March 1982, the band finished second in the St. Patrick's Day Parade held in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Throughout the year the band displays their talents at the Spring Concert in April; the Jazz Concert in May; the Mid-Winter Concert in February and the Winter Pops Concert held in December.
The New Brighton Band is built on CLASS, PRIDE and DEDICATION. The "esprit de corps" generated through members working together has bound the organization into a close knit family.
1924-1925 Miss Katherine Keach
1926-1928 Miss Woodruff
1929-1930 Mr. Benjamin Phillips
1931-1932 Miss Haskell
1933-1935 Mr. Anthony
1936-1945 Mr. Frank Beymer
1946 Mr. Richard Fleming
1947 Reverend David Slyter
1948-1950 Mr. Glenn H. Davis
1951-1952 Mr. Long
1953-1954 Mr. Robert Drumm
1955-1959 Mr. Richard Rice
1960-1963 Mr. Maxwell
1964-1971 Mr. Theodore Koenig
1971-1974 Mr. Bierer
1975-? Mr. William Galvin, Jr.
1936 Betty Householder
1937-1938 Howard Thorne
1939-1941 Ralph Snowberger and
Joy Ann Corkan
1942-1945 Clarence Lynn and
Henry Boyd
1946-1947 Jerry Hartman and
Bill Taylor
1948 Bill Taylor
1949-1950 Gale Vosler
1951-1952 Don Bork
1953 Bob Brubaker
1954-1955 Jim Joines
1956-1957 Jan Womer
1958-1959 Jay Shanor
1960-1961 Richard Wilson
1962-1963 Kenneth Myers
1964 S. Sheets and
Karen Shanor
1965-1966 Karen Shanor and
D. Franzini
1967-1969 Sue Cooper and
Debbie Edwards
1970 Debbie Edwards and
Patty Mathis
1971 Patty Mathis and
Becky Mathis
1972-1973 Becky Mathis
1974 None
1975 Sue Creese
1976-1977 Clint Berchtold
1978 Polly Horter
1979 Tammie Boehm
1980-? Jodilyn Kennedy