Altoona Band History
in photos and text

I have been told by Mr. Ralph Ely, a citizen of Altoona and an alumnus of Altoona High School, that the Altoona Band program began in June, 1937. I figure Mr. Ely is in a position to know, since he was part of this band. He also graciously provided the picture of that first Altoona Band. Altoona's first band director was Mr. A. M. Howe. Directors of the Altoona Band since that time have included: Mr. A. M. Howe (`37-`47, `48-`51), Mr. Loren Bridges (`47-`48), Miss Millie Benjamin (`51-`59), Mr. Gordon Barry (`59-`66), Mr. William Erickson (`66-`68), Mr. Gerald Olson (`68-`69, `72-`73), Mr. Clifford Oas (`69-`72), Mr. James Hamel (`73-`80), Mr. James Root (`80-`82), Mr. Clayton Browne (`82-`83), Mr. Barry Baker (`83-`92), Mr. Bob Baldwin (`92-`14).

1. Altoona's first band, circa 1937.
2. 1947 band, post WW II - future parents of "Baby Boomers"
3. 1957 band. They like Ike.
4. 1967 band. Hippies ? Corner of Haight-Ashbury ??- Not quite.
5. 1977 band. They remember Woodstock
6. 1987 band. The Berlin Wall came tumbling down.
7. 1997 band. A sitting U.S. President plays tenor saxophone!
8. 2007 band. A new millenium

There's a picture of this year's band on the home page. As you can see, the Altoona Band Program has had an interesting history. We hope you have enjoyed this little retrospective.