Dr. William D. Revelli is generally recognized today as one of the leading band conductors of the United States. He received an extensive musical training, having studied under such noted instructors as Felix Borowski, Leon Sametini, Charles Spadoni, L. V. Saar and George Dasch. His education was continued at the Beethoven Music Conservatory in St. Louis, the Chicago Musical College, Columbia Music School and the Vandercook School of Music in Chicago.
In 1925 Dr. Revelli was appointed Supervisor of Music in the Hobart, Indiana public schools, a post which he held for ten years. From there he went to the University of Michigan as Conductor of Bands and Wind Instruments. At that time Revelli was the only instructor of the Band Department with its ninety-six members. Today it lists seventeen instructors for its more than 350 bandsmen.
Through almost a score of years Dr. Revelli has upheld the highest ideals for perfect band performances by all the units of the Michigan University Bands. These high standards have exerted a great influence upon all college and university music organizations over the country. This conductor believes that a College band is of the greatest help to a student majoring in music. It gives him “opportunity for concert ensemble experience, a knowledge of music theory, composition, conducting and social contacts as well as skill in performing.”
In June, 1947, in acknowledgement of his worthwhile work in the field of music, the degree of Doctor of Music was given Mr. Revelli by the Chicago Musical College. Many other honors have been awarded this great music master: he was made a member of the Board of Directors of the American Bandmasters’ Association, member of Alpha Kappa Lamda, Phi Mu Alpha, Honorary National Grand President of Kappa Kappa Psi and of many other Societies. For about fifteen years Dr. Revelli has edited the Band Department of the Etude, a leading music magazine, and for more than five years he has been editor of the Michigan Band Series.
Each year, in every part of the United States Dr. Revelli makes numerous appearances as a guest conductor, a clinician or a judge of band festivals. Without doubt he is one of the country’s outstanding band conductors.
High School Bands
The first World War and the service bands marching in uniforms made the people of America band conscious. The trumpets and cornets rang out boldly in Over There and Tipperary, while the saxophones moaned their way through Avalon and Roses of Picardy. Everyone whistled or sang K-K-K-Katy, Beautiful Katy or Pack Up Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag. Then the War ended and the mood faded.
Radios came into general use. A few fine bands and orchestras were assembled by the large radio companies. Their new records, perfectly produced, became widely popular. People found it unnecessary to travel to cities to hear good music, and thousands of trained bandsmen were left without jobs. The manufacturers of band instruments suffered great losses in their business until they discovered a new field in working with high school bands.
American youth ran wild with the “school band” idea, but with capable instruction and supervision the amateur organizations soon became worthwhile projects. The ex-soldier bandsmen jumped at chances to teach and direct high school bands. The instrument makers sold them the various instruments on reasonable terms and the music dealers generously furnished the music at reduced rates.