Repository: UIHistories Project: Book - Banks of the Boneyard (Charles Kiler) [PAGE 98]

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The University Band

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The center of the entire school band movement is here at the University of Illinois. Harding's influence reaches out in every direction. Nothing can happen in the band music world without crossing the path of Professor Harding and the University of Illinois. I've written marches such as the "Purple Pageant" for Northwestern, "Wisconsin's Pride," and now one for Wayne University, but every one is for a director who formerly was with Harding and the University of Illinois. Every time you reach out, you cross Professor Harding's path. So it is the man who makes the University band great. Dr. C. S. Putnam, director, University of North Dakota band, Fargo, declared the University band crowds the laurels of any organized band today. He pointed to several professional bands as fine organizations, but explained their members do not have the pep and go of the University band. Some of the bands haven't the youth coupled with the thorough music knowledge, such as the University of Illinois band. That's the reason this is the most wonderful student band. Frank Simon, famed conductor of the Armco band, Middletown, Ohio, declared: "Fine musicians make a band great." He added, however, that a conductor is a "big factor." "And even after a band has fine musicians, it still is no better than its conductor," Director Simon stated. "It is a conductor with a personality, with dynamic characteristics, and exacting qualities. A conductor must be able to express himself. These qualities you have in Mr. Harding. More than that, he is an organizer and a business man—a rare combination. "Mr. Harding has built a movement here that will endure for all time." Harry L. Alford, Chicago, who has written marches for the Illini band and done much paraphrasing, all exclusively for the Illinois band, pointed to just three factors which make the University band great. "Mr. Harding, the complete ensemble, and the way they play together," Mr. Alford stated. And while the personnel of the University band changes from year to year, Professor Harding is able to train the new members who come into the band to play up to his standard and help retain the title of the "greatest University band" for the University of Illinois.