Evansville North

Instrumental Music

Program History

 

 

 

The Seventies

1973—1974    This was a year of transition for the instrumental music program. Mr. Burnell Smith retired at the end of the lst semester due to health problems.  Taking over was Mr. Matthew Krejci (Kray'chi) as the new Instrumental Music Director. Mr. Krejci was also the flute instructor for the University of Evansville Music Department. The Huskettes performed a different routine each week with the Marching Huskies. Favorite tunes included: "Carry the Big Fresh Flavor," and "Satisfaction," which included the funky chicken dance. The color guard and majorettes combined to present the colors before home basketball games. The Spring Musical, Camelot, was an elabrate, highly successful presentation that gained lots of recognition for the school's music program.

 

Photo:  Mr. Matthew Krejci

1976 - 1977      Mr. Tom Kennedy,  a recent graduate of Indiana University, was named as the third Director of Instrumental Music at North.  Mr. Kennedy was also a flute instructor at the University of Evansville, replacing Mr. Krejci.  One of Mr. Kennedy's specialties was flaming baton twirling. He once did a routine at a halftime performance.  The North Band featured an outstanding freshman horn player by the name of Jeff Heiger, who is currently the Instrumental Music Director at Evansville Central HS.   Twelve talented musicians were named to All-City.

Photo:  Mr. Tom Kennedy

Condolences to family, friends and former North students of Dr. Tom Kennedy, 54, who passed away June 15, 2007 of cancer.  Dr. Kennedy was the North Instrumental Music Director from 1976 to 1978.  Dr. Kennedy was Director of Band and Orchestra at Wittenberg College (Ohio) from 1991 until his disability retirement in 2005, and served as conductor of the Springfield Youth Symphony, assistant conductor of the Springfield Symphony, conductor of the Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra, and flutist in TOFT, an eclectic trio. He also appeared as a guest conductor throughout the US. Dr. Kennedy is internationally known for his musical publications with Kalmus Music and other publishers. He appeared as a guest conductor throughout the country.

North Instrumental Music

History Home

1970—1971   Drum major Ken Baugh led the band through their halftime performances. Among the band's favorite tunes were "Sunny," "Spinning Wheel," and "Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head." Twelve members of the band and orchestra were chosen for All-City. The 31-member orchestra performed at Christmas and at the spring concert. The 59-member marching band played as the pom pon girls, directed by Mrs. Jane Bernhardt, and majorettes presented exciting halftime shows. "Once Upon a Mattress" was presented as the spring musical.

1971 - 1972 - The North Varsity Band (freshmen) consisted of 25 players. Among the members of this freshman group was Charles (Rusty) Briel, who is currently the Executive Director of ISSMA (Indiana State School Music Association), the former Orchestra Director at Center Grove HS, and the former Instrumental Music Director of Evansville Harrision HS.   David Eissler was also a very talented musician in both the band and the choir.  He served as Drum Major of the Marching Band.  Following the guidance of North choral director Jerry Hoover, David went on to star in Leonard Bernstein's "Candide" in New York City. The Huskettes performed at all football and basketball home games. The 8-member flag corps and 7-member majorettes performed with the band. North showcased its musical talents by presenting the spring musical, "Fiddler on the Roof."

1972 - 1973    Senior Drum Major David Eissler led the North Band during the year. One of the highlights of the marching band was a combined halftime performance with the Central Band. The Marching Huskies were awarded the Parade Chairman's trophy for the West Side Nut Club Parade. Seven members of the band and orchestra were selected for All-City. There were 18 members of the orchestra, 4 majorettes, and 57 members of the band. The North Musical was Promises, Promises - music composed by Burt Bacharach.

1974 - 1975     After an absence of several years, the jazz band (formerly dance band) was brought back. The orchestra consisted of 17 string players. The band enrollment dropped to 52 members. New this year was the band homeroom, which allowed band members to rehearse through homeroom and lst period. Also reviving an old tradition - band football. The North Band defeated the Harrison Band 19 -0 and also the Bosse Band 30 - 24. They were the only teams to play. North did not present a spring musical this year, opting for a music variety program.

1975 - 1976     Small enrollment continued to affect the program. The Orchestra consisted of 15 members and the Band consisted of 52 performers. But the quality of players was very strong. Eight members of the band and orchestra were chosen for All-City. The musical was "Once Upon a Mattress."   This would be the last musical staged at North for several years.  Mr. Krejci left North following the school year.

1977 -  1978    The Marching Huskies raised money throughout the year for the purchase of new uniforms, which would arrive the next school year.  During this transition time, the band wore white shirts, kelly green sweaters, and white slacks for their uniform. Jerry Smith led the band as the drum major. The concert band was extremely talented and received several perfect scores at the ISMA Organization Contest.  The group performed "George Washington Bridge" by William Schuman and "Jubilance," by Cesar Giovannini.  Nineteen members were chosen All-City. Mr. Kennedy left North at the end of the year.

1978 - 1979       For the senior band and orchestra members, Mr. Stephen Shelley became their third director in the past 4 years.  Mr. Shelley was 21 years old when he was hired 10 days after graduating from the University of Evansville. At the time he was hired,  Mr. Shelley was student teaching at Castle High School.  At the beginning of the year, the Marching Huskies received their new band uniforms. The band worked hard to develop a show that they competed with at the Fall Festival Band Contest at Reitz Bowl.  The band placed third among all city schools, showing considerable improvement over past years in marching. Kara Ernspiger was named the first chair horn in All-State Band. Orchestra members Chris Clayton, Jo Ellen Riess, and Mary Ann Briel were named to the All-State Orchestra. The band included saxophonist Dana Willett, former EVSC School Board President.  The band did some new and exciting routines, including a band dance to "Rocky."  Eighteen musicians were named to All-City.

1979 - 1980     This became the first year that the marching band and Huskettes attended band camp, which was held at Kentucky Wesleyan College.  Each member was charged $45.00, which paid for room, meals, and staff. Drum majors of the band were Kara Ernspiger and Brenda Graham , currently a Professor of Music at Oakland City University and the former Instrumental Music Director at Helfrich Park MS.   Also new this year was the Christmas parade performance in Henderson. This was also the first year for the Marching Huskies to compete in the ISMA District Contest. The Instrumental Music Boosters built a booth to be used at the Fall Festival - their first year of participation in this event.   This 8' by 8' wooden booth featured a variety of sandwiches and drinks.