The Bandys High Band Alumni Association
Then. Now. Forever. Trojans.
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The Early Years (1955-1964)
The first iteration of the Bandys High School Band was formed in 1955 by Mr. Charles Hooper. This was the first ever band included in a Catawba County high school. This group had 22 total members including 4 clarinets, 9 trumpets, 1 saxophone, 2 trombones, 2 percussionists, and 4 majorettes. Included below is the yearbook photo of the band in 1955, as well as the names of all 22 original members.
Band Picture From 1955 Bandys Yearbook
During the first several years of its existence, "band class" only met for approximately 45 minutes a day. According to a page out of the 1957 year book, band met at 11:40 AM, while lunch began shortly after at 12:35 PM. Mr. Hooper would continue growing the band's membership each year, with a total of 50 students in 1956 & 1957. By 1958, the band had grown to include Tenor Saxophones, French Horns, Baritone, Bass Horn, and Color Guard in its now 62 person ensemble. This was also the year that Mr. Hooper introduced the Pep Band for athletic games, as well a "Dance Band" for school formal functions. These band clubs helped diversify the literature that the band played and allowed students the opportunity to learn multiple instruments. In the 1959 Yearbook, the pep club received its first nickname, the "Bandys Blowers".
Band Clubs Page From 1958 Bandys Yearbook
In 1960, the 6th Year Anniversary of the bands beginning, the band performed for the first time outside of the area at the Shriners Bowl held in Salisbury, NC that year. This was also the first year that the band participated in the All-State Band Clinic, as well as regional and district events. According to the 1960 yearbook entry, "the band is making every endeavor to live up to it's purposes - to publicize Bandys High School and to brighten the school spirit with lively marches and various other types of music."
