Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Leon High School Band


Leon High School Band
Director: Oliver Hobbs
CP - 4569 - Alma Mater
CP - 4570 - Dixie
Rite Account #127

The Leon High School Band of Tallahassee, Florida, was under the direction of Oliver Hobbs from 1950 - 1967. This 1960 recording represents the peak of Hobbs leadership as the band had represented the State of Florida at the 1959 Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C., and the 1960 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.

The band was excellent and the songs are classic. "Alma Mater" is the same tune used in the final talent show scene at the end of the classic film, "Dirty Dancing" and what great southern band isn't prepared to thrill the crowd with a rousing rendition of "Dixie." Find one if you can but I'm not letting go of my copy!

2 comments:

  1. That was our band! That year on the field the band stopped in formation, Ed Henderson went to the flank on one side, I went to the other, and we simultaneously played the Dixie solo on cornet. If this recording was from the final concert recording in Leon assembly, as I recall we both stood and played it then. There were two concert assemblies at the end of the year, one for younger grades and a second for the older grades.

    I would love to have a dup of this recording. Is there any way?

    Dave (Earl) Maxwell
    Class of 1960
    Cornet

    David Maxwell
    538 E. Washington Street
    Orlando, FL 32801
    [W]407-420-1707
    [H]407-644-4476
    Fax: 407-420-5984
    Email: maxlaw@usa.net

    ReplyDelete
  2. The trips to Washington and New York were great fun. I was in that band also. I remember Ed and you playing your solo's. I played clarinet. My original copy of it warped from being in the hot car!

    Rose Kirk North
    Class of 1961
    Clarinet

    ReplyDelete