North Instrumental Music

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1960—1961   The North Band boasted of 57 members, with 33 students involved in the concert orchestra. The orchestra performed for several banquets and the pep bands provided extra incentive at the pep assemblies and home basketball games. The marching band performed at all football games. The North Band included a young, talented freshman flute player by the name of Jane Mengon (Mrs. Jane Bernhardt, North Assistant Director). The German band and dance band played for school and civic activities. Mr. Ken Kreke (recently retired Castle J.H. Principal) was one of the hard working members of the North band. "South Pacific" was the North spring musical.

 

1961—1962  North gained city-wide recognition for its fine music program. The large concert orchestra (53 members) featured the vocal talents of Ricky Van Hoose (currently pastor at Bible Center Cathedral) and saxophonist Don Cobb (local woodwind private teacher). Bill Bootz was a talented trombone player in the band (current Professor of Music - University of Evansville).  Instrumentalists earned 26 firsts at district and 20 firsts at state solo/ensemble contest. North presented "Carousel" as its Spring Musical.

Photo:  1962 North Orchestra

1962—1963  Combining forces, the Concert Choir and Concert Orchestra presented a series of programs including a Classic-Romantic concert, the annual Christmas concert, a Baroque concert and a contemporary/pop concert. Their performance of Handel's "Messiah" brought the school wide spread acclaim. The band featured a lovely line of 11 majorettes, led by co-captains Alice Hoebbel and Susan Harkins. The 17-member pom pon group, led by Sharon Paulson and Becky Groves (Gripenstroh - teacher at Washington School) , were remembered for their lively routine to "Jingle Bell Rock" at a pre-Christmas basketball game. The North spring musical was "Brigadoon."

1963—1964  Talented junior clarinetist Scott Bridges was selected from among all area high school musicians as the featured soloist with the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra . . . a tremendous honor!   Twenty-six band and orchestra members were chosen for All-City. The orchestra and choir again presented the "Messiah." The spring musical, "My Fair Lady," was a glowing success. Both the band and orchestra presented concerts at local grade schools.

1964—1965  The marching band performed a variety of music through the fall, high-stepping to Sousa marches and playing songs borrowed from celebrated musicals. The dance band wowed the North students at the football homecoming dance and performed at the "North Highlights." The band and twirlers began practices 2 weeks before school and continued every Thursday night until football season closed. Beginning this year, the senior members (with 2 years of service) received letters. North featured one of the most talented orchestras in town - 22 of the 39 members were chosen to the All-City Band and Orchestra. Also for the first time, North placed 4 members in the All-State Orchestra. The choir and orchestra combined and traveled to Indiana University and to Indianapolis to present programs. The spring musical included a large North student production of "Oklahoma!"

1965—1966  One of the highlights of the year for the North Orchestra was a performance given at Ball State College in Muncie. Several band and orchestra students received firsts at the state solo/ensemble contest at Butler University. The marching band consisted of 61 players and 5 majorettes, led by sophomore Drum Major Don Hoebbel. The band practiced before school and during lst period on their weekly routines. Also this year, the band and twirlers performed at the ribbon-cutting cermony for the opening of the Diamond Avenue Expressway, at the invitation of Mayor Frank McDonald, Sr.  Participating in band this year was a young musician by the name of Bob Cuprisin, current North Activities and Athletics Director. North students worked hard to present "The Music Man" as the spring musical.

1966—1967  The band practiced before school and during lst period to prepare for their football game performances. Band members sold Christmas cards to raise money for new band uniforms. Members of the dance band performed at a Kiwanis dance at the Rural Youth Center and at "North Highlights." Twenty-four North musicians participated in All-City. North's majorettes, captained by Lynne Ritchie, dressed in new green and white uniforms and added spark to the marching band. “Kismet” was the spring musical production.

1967—1968  New band uniforms replaced the 11-year old uniforms that had "baggy pants." Senior band captain Chip Howard stated that the "new uniforms make the kids more proud to be in the band." The band raised money by sponsoring a chili supper, a sock-hop, selling Christmas cards and by selling State Champion license plates (for the basketball team's State Championship). Don Hoebbel led the band as the drum major for the third year in a row. The Color Guard presented the National Anthem at all home basketball games, as well as the Sectional, Regional and Semi-State tournaments. The orchestra again joined the choir to present the "Messiah" and also performed in the school spring musical, "South Pacific."  Senior percussionist Pat Moore (Founder of Moore Music in Evansville) wrote many of the special percussion parts that were used for the musical.                

1968—1969  The pep band performed at all pep assemblies and home basketball games. The group performed a mix of modern music as well as old time favorites. The orchestra was again well represented in All-City. "North Highlights" again featured the talents of the dance band and other instrumental acts. "The Most Happy Fella" was the spring musical production.

 

1969—1970  This was the first year for the Huskettes, a pom pon group organized by Miss Jane Mengon (Bernhardt).   Denise Eastham was selected as the first captain of this new group.  Senior Jon Friley served as Drum Major for the second year.  He led the formations and directed the band as they played the fight song after scoring a touchdown. Jon also designed the homecoming show.  The pep band was led by senior Buzz Mengon (Mrs. Bernhardt's brother) and was student controlled.   The pom pon girls danced to the favorite tunes of "Hawaii Five-O" and "The Stripper." The twirlers favorite tune was "Mame."  The 45-member orchestra performed many concerts through the year. The color guard consisted of 8 boys who presented the flag at all home basketball games. Gun twirling was their specialty. Members of the dance band kept the school swinging!   The school musical was "110 in the Shade."

Photo:  1969 Huskettes (first year)

Organized by Jane Mengon (Bernhardt)

Photo: (top left clockwise) - Majorettes Barb Shaver, Robin Forrester, Genevieve Schuttler, Carole Berry 

Photo:  1968 North Dance Band