The Westby High School Band

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The Westby High School band, now in its eighteenth year, was organized during the year of 1922, by the Reverend J.O. Holum. In 1924, the late Otto Brown of Viroqua, was engaged as part-time instructor in the school.

Through the help of the Westby Kiwanis Club, several instruments were purchased, and later, the Band Mothers Club which was organized in 1928, added more instruments. In 1928, the band made it first appearance in uniforms, purchased through the efforts of the “Band Mothers.”

Many district and state contest honors were won by the band under Mr. Brown’s directorship which he held until June of 1932. At that time, the present conductor, Mr. Victor Olsen, was engaged as instructor of instrumental music.

The number taking part in instrumental music has grown from 36 in 1932, to 70 at the present time. The band, under Mr. Olsen’’s direction, has the amiable record of six consecutive first division ratings in music contest. The director has been able to secure engagements for the band, which net approximately two hundred dollars yearly. This enables the organization to pay all of the running expenses as to music, repairs, transportation, awards, as well as purchasing some additional needed equipment.

The Band Mothers Club deserves much credit for the support they have given the organization. They have purchased several fine instruments, considerable music and their crowning feature, surely, was the presentation to the band in 1936, of a complete set of 52 uniforms.

Send all inquires, letters, questions or answers, and photos to Hans c/o the Westby Times or Hans at westby.times@gmail.com.