A Brief History of the Edmond and Edmond North Band Program
In 1966, a third band director, Kenneth R. Allen , was added to the staff in order to accomodate the teaching schedule. In 1968, Don Hood was replaced by Dean Coale, and in 1972, a fourth director, Vennis Wren, joined the staff. From 1983 to 1993 Kenneth R. Allen served as the Edmond High School Director and Direcotr of Instrumental Music. From 1938 to 1993, a period of fifty-four years, The Edmond High School Band had been under the direction of only six directors.
With the opening of Edmond North High School in 1994, the Husky band was formed. After more than ten years, The Edmond North High School Band Program is continuing to grow and achieve success in all aspects of the program. The marching band has competed at the Oklahoma Bandmasters Association (OBA) competition for the past five years, placing as a finalist for the first time in school history in 2003. The Marching Band and Wind Ensemble consistently recieve "Superior Ratings," and the Wind Ensemble has performed at the OMEA All-State Convention twice. The band has traveled to Orlando, San Antonio, Dallas, New Orleans, and Chicago, playing at the renowned Chicago Symphony Hall.
As the program moves on into the future the program will continue to grow and achieve at the highest level, because as the band motto states: "Together Everyone Achieves More"
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The Edmond Band program has enjoyed a reputation of excellence since 1938, when it was formally acknowledged by the Board of Education as part of the curriculum in the Edmond Public Schools.
On June 10, 1938, Mr. E.B. Moore was hired as director of the Edmond band program. From it's very first year the High School Band established a reputation for "Superior Ratings." During World War II, Mr. A. Weatherly and Mr. J. Burrows kept the band going while Mr. Moore was participating in the war. From fall 1948 through spring 1950, Mr. E. Snyder Jr. served as director. In September 1950, Mr. Jack Sisson, a graduate of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, took over the reigns of the band program. It was during his directorship that the Edmond Band program became known for it's emphasis in fundamental music education and consistent "Superior Ratings" in concert performance and in marching. Mr. Sisson left the school system in 1956, to direct the band at Central State College. Because of the expanded enrollment in the band program, two directors were hired to fill the teaching responsibilities.
In the fall of 1956, Charles Robison was hired to direct the high school band, and Bob Little to direct the Junior High Band. Inheriting a well-established program, the Edmond Bands continued their reputation for excellence. In 1964, Robert R. Young, Sr. became Edmond High School's band director and Bob Davis the Junior High director. Mr. Young served as high school director for nineteen years (1964-1983). During those years the Edmond school district grew by as much as 500 students per year. Consequently, the band program expanded likewise. In 1965, Mr. Don Hood, principal trumpet of the Oklhaoma City Philharmonic replaced Mr. Davis as Junior High Director.
In 1993, Edmond High School found it necessary to change from one high school comprised of two grade levels and two mid-highs comprised of two grade levels to three high schools comprised of four grade levels. At that time, over a decade ago, Edmond North High School opened it's doors.