1930 - 1939
Photo Courtesy of WHS Yearbook
1930
Director: John L. Davis
The first "band" is established according to the 1930 yearbook. The band was lead by director John L. Davis and included 41 members.The first performance was at the Lansdale football game. The students did not have uniforms. Money was being raised to purchase uniforms the following year.
Photo Courtesy of WHS Yearbook
1931
Director: Irvin Neuroth
New uniforms were purchased for the approx. 39 band members. The uniforms included a "W" on the front chest, a cape, and sailors hat. According to the 1931 yearbook, students practiced twice a week.
Instrumentalist Numbers: Trumpets (7), Trombones (4), Mellophone (1), Clarinets (9), Flute (1), Saxophones (7), Snare Drums (7), Bass Drums (2), Cymbals (1)
FUN FACT: Irvin Neuroth, Band Director, was a History teacher at the high school. He also was the director of the orchestra.
Photo Courtesy of WHS Yearbook
1932
Director: Irvin Neuroth Drum Major: David Parks
There were 30 members in the band.
Instrumentalist Numbers: Trumpets (6), Trombones (5), Clarinets (6), Flutes (2), Saxophones (4), Drums (4), Bass Drum (1), Cymbals (1), Bass Horn (1), Drum Major (1)
Photo Courtesy of WHS Yearbook
1933
Director: Irvin Neuroth Drum Major: David Parks
There were 29 members in the band.
The yearbook described the uniforms as bright and colorful and ensures that the band program will rapidly grow.
Instrumentalist Numbers: Trumpets (10), Trombones (5), Clarinets (4), Saxophones (5), Drums (4), Drum Major (1)
FUN FACT: Drum Major, David Parks, was voted Best Boy Singer of the Senior class.
Photo Courtesy of WHS Yearbook
1934
Director: Irvin Neuroth Drum Major: Not listed
There were 27 members in the band. According to the 1934 yearbook, while the band was small, they were the best band in the land. The band practiced every Tuesday noon in the auditorium.
Instrumentalist Numbers: Trumpets (8), Trombones (5), Clarinets (4), Saxophones (3), Snare Drums (2), Bass Horns (2), Bass Drum (1), Cymbals (1), Cornet (1)
Photo Courtesy of WHS Yearbook
1935
Director: Paul F. Filer Drum Major: Flora M.B. Ebner
This was the first year that the band was under the direction of Paul F. Filer. Mr. Filer would continue as the director for 25 years. The band had 30 members. The yearbook states that the band has grown in size and volume and is one of the best bands they have every had.
On March 15, 1935, the band, orchestra, and glee clubs held a Spring concert and gave a "very fine performance". The money raised from the concert would purchase new instruments next year so that they could increase their size.
Instrumentalist Numbers: Trumpets (8), Trombones (3), Clarinets (6), Saxophones (5), Snare Drums (4), Bass Horn (1), Bass Drum (1), Cymbals (1), Drum Major (1)
Photo Courtesy of WHS Yearbook
1936
Director: Paul F. Filer Drum Major: Flora M.B. Ebner
There were 51 members in the band. It was noted in the yearbook that the band grew in size and sound. The band played at all home games and attended most away games as well.
Instrumentalist Numbers: Trumpets (13), Trombones (6), Clarinets (11), Saxophones (6), Snare Drums (4), Bass Horn (3), Bass Drum (1), Cymbals (1), Baritone (1), Mellophones (3), Marimba (1), Drum Major (1)
FUN FACT: Flora Ebner's nickname was Ebby and she had a leading role in the school play.
1937
Director: Paul F. Filer Drum Major: John R. Kanthack
There were 53 members in the band.
1938
Director: Paul F. Filer Drum Major: Not listed
There were 52 members in the band. The band performed at the Armistice Day Parade in Northampton and placed first. They would go on and win that same award the following year.
Photo Courtesy of WHS Yearbook
1939
Director: Paul F. Filer Drum Major: Jack R. Kanthack
Student Director: Hans Uberseder
This was the first year that the band was formally organized with a President, Secretary, Librarian, and Assistant Librarian. There were 59 members in the band. This is the first year that a student director is listed.
FUN FACT: According to the senior bio in the yearbook about Jack Kanthack, he invented the "Wilson Strut". In addition, he whirled a baton as the drum major.