1971-1972 THS MUSIC DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

The Music Department included over half of the student body in 1971-1972.

The THS Band had 94 instrument players and 23 majorettes.  The Band finished 12th
at the 1971 Indiana State Fair, 3rd at the Farmers Day Parade, 2nd at the Shelbyville
Band Contest, 2nd at the Martinsville Band Contest, and 1st at Ball State’s Band Day
The Band also marched in several parades, performed at the Indiana Bandmaster
Clinic at Purdue University, and entertained at an Indiana Pacer’s Basketball game.

 

1973-1974 THS MUSIC DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

The Thorntown Marching Keewasakees finished their career with a year to remember. The Band started the year by placing 1st at the Shelbyville Band contest in August. Then it was off to the State Fair where they placed 2nd at the Farmer’s Day Parade. But the State Fair Marching Band Contest was somewhat of a disappointment because the Keewasakees finished in a 30th place tie out of the top 62 bands. In October, the 135-member band traveled to Southport to compete in the District Marching Band Contest. This was the first time for Thorntown to participate in that contest; nevertheless, they came home victorious as 1st Place Winners which entitled the band to compete in the State Marching Band contest at Northwestern. The Band also participated in the usual year’s activities which included the Boone County 4-H parade, the 4th of July Parade at Lebanon, and thrilling the Thorntown Football fans with spectacular half-time shows. The last appearance for the Marching Keewasakees was at the Carroll basketball game.

 

THORNTOWN HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC/BAND DIRECTORS

1913  Ms. Zella Bratton            Music Teacher, there was no mention of a band, only Chorus

1918-1923  Mr. Walter Huckstep    Orchestra Director

1924   Ms. Ada Kephart            Music Teacher

1925-1926  Ms. Helen Louise Cox    Orchestra Only

1927-1928  Ms. Isabel Gauld        No Mention of Orchestra or Band, Girls Chorus only

1931-1932  Ms. Mary Sims        Music Teacher, Orchestra only

1937-1938  Ms. Marion Bilby        Band Director, the Band had 20 students

The Orchestra had 40 students. The Band played at basketball games.

1940-1941  Ms. Butts            Music Teacher/Band Director

1950  Ms. Carol Engerer        Music Teacher/Band Director

1951-1952  Mr. Vinton Mack        Music Teacher/Band, 41 members in the band

In 1952, the band consisted of 6th grade through 12th grade.

1953-1955  Mr. Vernon Smitley        Music Teacher/Band Director
1956-1957  Mrs. Pauline Hankins    Music Teacher/Band Director

1958-1959  Mr. Ron Bratton        Music Teacher/Band Director

1960  Mr. Noel Cross            Music Teacher/Band Director

1961-1962  Mr. James C Patton        Music Teacher/Band Director

1963-1974  Mr. Richard Gress        Music Teacher/Band Director

 

THORNTOWN HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND

 

The Indiana State Fair Band Contest started in 1947.

 

Thorntown High School started participating in the contest in 1958 under the direction of Ron Bratton.

 

1958 . . . . . . .    3-WAY TIE for 49th of 58 Schools

1959 . . . . . . .    2-WAY TIE for 36th of 60 Schools

1960 . . . . . . .    2-WAY TIE for 36th of 62 Schools

1961 . . . . . . .    2-WAY TIE for 34th of 52 Schools

1962 . . . . . . .    2-WAY TIE for 37th of 65 Schools

1963 . . . . . . .    58th of 87 Schools

1964 . . . . . . .    49th of 78 Schools

1965 . . . . . . .    TIE for 30th of 83 Schools

1966 . . . . . . .    52th of 73 Schools

1967 . . . . . . .    32nd of 64 Schools

1968 . . . . . . .    48th of 64 Schools

1969 . . . . . . .    29th of 62 Schools

1970 . . . . . . .    14th of 59 Schools

1971 . . . . . . .    12th of 51 Schools (in the Top 16 - best THS band finish!)

1972 . . . . . . .    29th of 62 Schools

1973 . . . . . . .    TIE for 30th of 62 Schools