Great bands of America

by Alberta Powell Graham

MARK H. HINDSLEY

In 1934 Mark H. Hindsley became Assistant Director of the Illinois University Band. He has since worked constantly with Dr. Harding with the exception of the time he spent in military service during 1942-1946.

Professor Hindsley was graduated “with high distinction” from Indiana University in 1925. He was one of five men chosen as a Rhodes Fellowship contestant. He received his A.M. degree from the same university in 1927, and at that time was awarded a Phi Beta Kappa key.

His thorough musical education was continued in a number of well-known schools of music, including the University of Illinois; and the Sherwood School of Music, Chicago. Professor Hindsley was Director of Bands and Music Instructor for four years at his Alma Mater. His next position was Director of Instrumental Music at Cleveland Heights, Ohio, 1929-1934. From there he went to assist Dr. Harding, becoming Acting-Director of the University Band of Illinois in 1948. Upon Dr. Harding’s retirement in 1950, Professor Hindsley succeeded him as Head of the Band Department.

Professor Hindsley’s professional experience has been broadened by extensive summer teaching in a dozen or more of the big-name universities. He has been in great demand as a guest conductor and adjudicator of contests. As a composer and writer on musical subjects Professor Hindsley has achieved a wide reputation. He is also the recipient of many honors and honorary memberships in Musical and Educational associations.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN BAND

Several decades ago a drum major in a Michigan University Band tossed his shining baton high over the goal post. This stunt was copied by nearly every college band in this country. A tradition exists at Ann Arbor that at each football game the drum major must thus throw his baton on high and catch it if the Michigan team is to win.

The University of Michigan Band was first mentioned in the school annals of 1844. It was then an organization of nine men. From that time through three score years and ten the band led an intermittent existence. In 1895 it was recognized officially when the Board of Regents ordered the band to furnish music at football games, during Commencement week and for other social events. Three years later the Athletic Association purchased the first uniforms for the musicians.