In 1930 when radio came into its own, Frank Simon reorganized his band as a purely professional group. He engaged fifty talented Cincinnati musicians for his great symphonic band which made an outstanding record of broadcasting for ten years under one sponsor, The American Rolling Mill Company. Simon endeared himself to young people by presenting on each weekly broadcast some soloist or ensemble, selected from one of our American school bands. This program became one of the most popular on the air.
During this time Simon saw the need of keeping step with the times and asked Ferde Grofe, eminent modern composer, to write some new compositions for his band. A modern strain was added to his concert band programs in the playing of numbers from Grofe’s Grand Canyon and other suites, but they did not replace the finest of classical music in these broadcasts.
Among the honors and distinctions awarded Frank Simon is a Doctor of Music degree conferred upon him by Capital College, Columbus, Ohio, “in recognition of his efforts in the advancement of bands in the United States.”
In 1932 Dr. Simon was appointed Director of the Band Department of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He at once established a band department in the Cincinnati Conservatory which has attracted thousands of young talented players to the school. Since the Armco Band left the air, Dr. Simon has taken on other duties besides his responsibilities at the Conservatory. He has been in popular demand as guest conductor, judge and lecturer at band festivals and school band clinics in all parts of the country.
But this has not interfered with his leadership of the artistic concert band of about 150 musicians at the Conservatory. He gives several concerts a year, featuring their outstanding vocalists and instrumentalists and playing the best in band literature. His 65-piece radio symphonic band has given local and national broadcasts.
Dr. and Mrs. Simon have two sons, David and Joseph. The older is a doctor connected with the Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati, and Joseph is with a radio station in Mason City, Iowa.
Dr. Simon has two hobbies, fishing and baseball. But his major hobby might be said to be young people, for his devotion to young musicians of the nation is widely recognized.
“Hundreds of my students are now engaged professionally in symphony orchestras, radio and recording and in our educational institutions throughout the land,” said Dr. Simon. “This, of course, is a source of great pride to me.”
