Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - Banks of the Boneyard (Charles Kiler) [PAGE 91]

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o5

On the Banks of the

Boneyard

and to keep them in workable condition. Finally I approached Dr. Peabod with a plea for some new instruments, and my request was granted. ' By 1889 and 1890 the band had developed very satisfactorily, and we were playing all the standard marches of the day, were more careful about watching expressions, and had even mastered "Poet and Peasant Overture/' which was indeed an accomplishment. The spirit of the band had taken on force. Altogether \ believe we had the best college band extant. I cannot pass up this opportunity to relate an incident or two which illustrate the character of Dr. Selim H. Peabody, then head of the University. He was of a distinctly reserved, rather stern and dignified make-up. However, he called me into his office one day, whistled and hummed an air (I believe he even approached a dance step), and asked me if I knew what it was. He had just returned from Europe, and had heard the tune repeatedly. It was "Funiculi-Funicula." When Charles Elder joined us I wanted an E-flat clarinet for him. I again stated my needs to Dr. Peabody. While in Chicago the next week he got one. Elder took great care of the instrument, wrapping rmance. Dr. Peabody bought own I didn't keep that secret. During 1889 I was successful in getting permission to alter our uniforms. I desired blue but was compelled to adhere to the conventional cadet grey. However, we substituted white trimming for the black and our caps were trimmed with silver braid. My own uniform was made resplendent by silver chevrons on black background with an embroidered bugle in the center. This adorned my left sleeve. The improvement in uniforms increased the already fine spirit of the band and improved the appearance as well. With much regret, and only after long deliberation, I left the University and my beloved band at the close of the winter term in 1891. I wanted to specialize in pharmaceutical chemistry, which was talogu I went to the university 01 Micnigan m tne tail ot '91 and graduated there in '92. There was no band at U. of M., but I played in the Ann Arjx>r city band which was hired by the University when needed. When I left the University of Illinois, I recommended Glenn Hobbs as my successor. He was appointed and carried on until he graduated. Hobbs afterwards organized the first band at the University of Chicago. Upon graduating at U. of M. I received an offer from Illinois to return as assistant in chemistry. I gave up an equally good w.w«v^ join Parke Davis & Company in Detroit. The lure of Illinois^rew"me on, and I am pleased to say that the band invited me to play with them on occasions. They also arranged for me to go with them to the Columbian Exposition where they played twice daily at the Illinois