California State University, Fresno
1911 -- Fresno Normal School was formed. Professor Arthur G. Wahlberg was head of the music department. 1926 -- The first band was started. Mr. Author C. Forsbald was the director of the band, which consisted of 36 members. 1929 -- The annual free concerts at Roeding Park, celebrating National Music Week, began. 1934 -- Fresno Normal School became Fresno State College. The school officially adopted a new fight song entitled "Fight Varsity." 1935 -- Sporting new uniforms, the FSC band traveled to the California Pacific Exhibition in San Diego were the feature attraction was "Fresno Day." 1936 -- The FSC band went to the San Francisco Bay Bridge to participate in a parade. They placed 4th. 1937 -- The first Annual Band Banquet was held at the Hotel Fresno. 1939 -- A.G. Forsblad directed a 1,000 piece band at the foundation ceremony of Friant Dam. 1942 -- All of the ensembles at FSC were weekend because of the call for men to fight in WWII. 1950 -- Elwyn Schwartz became the Director of Bands, succeeding Forsblad. 1953 -- Russel Howland succeeded Schwartz as Director of Bands. 1955 -- FSC moved to a new location on the outskirts of Fresno. 1956 -- Dr. Ralph Rea (music dept. chairman) became the Director of Bands, succeeding Howland. 1957 -- Dean Killon became the Director of Bands, succeeding Rea. 1958 -- With the help of band member Lennie Rader, Dean Killon resurrected the Neon Instruments with artificial fog for a blacked out Radcliff Stadium. 1960 -- Arthur Barnes succeeded Killon as Director of Bands. 1964 -- John H. Martin became Director of Bands, succeeding Barnes. 1968 -- Lawrence R. Sutherland became Director of Bands, succeeding Martin. 1972 -- FSC became CSU, Fresno. 1979 -- The Jazz Band "A" traveled to Montreaux, Switzerland to play in the Montreaux Jazz Festival, directed by Dr. Sutherland. 1980 -- Frank Bibb became the Associate Director of Bands, and took charge of the Bulldog Marching Band. Dr. Sutherland continued to direct the Jazz Band "A" and the Wind Ensemble. 1st annual Collegiate Wind Festival hosted by CSUF Music Department. 1982 -- The marching band reached an all-time high of 200 members. 1983 -- The Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band "A" toured Japan and performed at the 1983 Japanese Band Director’s Clinic. 1984 -- M. Scott McBride became the new Associate Director of Bands. 1985 -- The Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band "A" toured Europe. They performed at the 2nd conference of the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE). 1986 -- Wind Ensemble goes to Germany October 6-20th. 1987 -- The Wind Ensemble did a world premiere of the Philip Wilby work, "Little Symphony for Brass," dedicated to the CSUF Wind Ensemble and Dr. Sutherland. 1988 -- The 7th annual "Western States Collegiate Wind Band Festival" was held at the Memorial Theatre. 1990 -- M. Scott McBride, after much hard work, received his doctorate in music. 1991 -- Dr. M. Scott McBride resigned his position to become director of bands at Jacksonville State University in Alabama. Bill Barbour became the new director of the Bulldog Marching Band. 1st annual Fresno State Day of Percussion by the CSUF Department of Music. 1992 -- Large budget cuts resulted in the unexpected loss of the Fresno State Marching Band program. Dr. Sutherland organized the "Spirit Band" to perform stand tunes at games. 1993 -- Dr. Gary P. Gilroy was hired as the Associate Director of Bands. He installed the Bulldog Beat, restarted the Bulldog Marching Band, and the symphonic band. 1994 -- The growing marching band participated in the Hollywood Christmas parade. Jazz Band "A" and "B" performed a concert with a guest performance from the CSU Long Beach Jazz Band. Day of Jazz was hosted by CSUF Department of Music and KKPsi/TBSigma. North Texas 1 o’clock Lab Band performed a concert with CSU, Fresno Jazz Band "A" on April 20, 1994. This was the only Central California performance in 15 years. CSUF Jazz Band "A" took 2nd Place in the 20th annual Pacific Coast Colligate Jazz Festival in the 4 year Big Band category. And the Jazz Band A & B took 1st place in the 4 year combo category. 1996 -- The Wind Ensemble performed at Carnegie Hall on June 2nd. They performed the New York premiere of "Dawn Flight" and U.S. premier of "White-Knuckle Ride", both by Philip Wilby. They also gave a world premiere of "Ostinato Dance" by James Sochinski. January 27, Saturday CSUF, Department of Music presented "Sons of the San Joaquin" in a benefit concert for CSUF Wind Ensemble The Wind Ensemble at Fresno State recorded a CD "Sacred Symphonies" which offers a selection of Classical Music. Also featured the Black Pike Mills Band and composer Phillip Wilby. Distributed worldwide. Wind Ensemble Performed at Carnegie Hall on June 2. 1997 -- Jazz Band "A" took 1st place at the Reno Jazz Festival under Dr. Sutherland. The marching band also received new uniforms. 1st annual Concerto Concert was held at CSUF. 1998 -- Wind Ensemble performs a joint concert with the 361st Air Force Band of California Air National Guard. April 16, Jazz Band "A" opens for Grammy award winner Roy Hargrove. 1999 -- Dr. Sutherland started the 1st Annual Billy Higgins Jazz Festival. The Marching Band also received a million dollar endowment from an anonymous donor. Wind Ensemble toured to Ontario, CA 2000 -- Dr. Sutherland conducted the Wind Ensemble in four venues in China. The Marching Band traveled to the UCLA away game which sadly was lost. The marching band also traveled to the 1st Annual Silicon Valley Classic Bowl Game. The Bulldogs lost against the Air Force. 2001 -- The marching band traveled to their second consecutive Silicon Valley Classic where the football team lost to Michigan State. 2002 -- The Marching Band received new uniforms and traveled to their third annual Silicon Valley Classic where the football team beat Georgia Tech. 2003 -- The Marching Band once again traveled to their fourth annual Silicon Valley Classic where the football team defeated UCLA. 2004 -- The Wind Band under the direction of Dr. Sutherland traveled to New Orleans and the Marching Band traveled to the MPC Computer Bowl where the football team defeated the University of Virginia. 2005 -- Traveled to USC for football game. Sadly lost but it was lot of fun and the team and the band put up a good fight. Band traveled with the football team to Memphis, Tennessee for the Liberty Bowl, where the team lost to Tulsa. 2006 -- Dr. Lawrence R. Sutherland retired as Director of Bands after 38 years of service to the bands at Fresno State. Dr. Gary P. Gilroy was chosen to take over. Timothy Todd Anderson was chosen to be the interim Director for the Marching Band and Wind Ensemble II. 2007 -- Timothy Todd Anderson was picked to be the Director of Athletic Bands. In September, the band hosted the Sacramento State band when they came with their football team for the opener of the season. (24-3 Fresno State) The marching band traveled to Reno, NV for the Game against the Reno Wolfpack, and the Bulldogs conquered them 49 to 41. At the end of the Season, the band traveled with the football team to Roady’s Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, ID. The Bulldogs beat the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 40 – 28. » Discuss
Group HistoryOn February 17, 1987, a group of band members at Fresno State sent a letter to the National Office of Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma stating their interest in becoming chapters in the fraternity and sorority. Following this, these students were given an introduction and information session. The San Diego State chapters were selected as their parent chapters, and members from UCLA joined SDSU in Fresno on March 7, 1987 for colonization ceremonies. M. Scott McBride, the Associate Director of Bands at Fresno State, was himself a brother of KKPsi. He was instrumental in establishing the colonies, and became the founding sponsor. The colonization period was busy, but the candidates were eager to succeed and worked with enthusiasm. Service activities ranged from concert set-ups and receptions to hosting the Winter Guard Festival Finals and the Central Section Music Educator's Winter Conference. The colony members were dedicated to the Ideals and Purposes of KKPsi and TBSigma, and endeavored to serve the bands as best they could. During the fall semester the colonies' efforts were centered on the petitioning document, which was submitted to the National Office in mid-March. The original copy is on file at Oklahoma State University and can be viewed upon request. The Annual Wind Band Festival was reactivated in 1988 with the help of the colonies, which sponsored and ran the event. During this year the colony also hosted California State Days while concurrently participating in Vintage Days '88. The "Grape Pinchers" placed 8th overall. The colonies had made a definite mark on campus as the colonization period ended. On Saturday, April 30, 1988, the colony members were initiated and became the Iota Alpha and Eta Omega chapters of KKPsi and TBSigma. One major accomplishment that brought recognition to the chapters was the election of Veronica Corea, the TBSigma charter president of Eta Omega, to the office of Western District Secretary/Treasurer. In the Fall of 1988, the chapters put through their first class of initiates, the Beta class. While still in their first year as chapters, the members decided to commission a major work for the Wind Ensemble to be written in celebration of Dr. Lawrence Sutherland's 20th year with the Fresno State bands. Philip Wilby composed "Catcher of Shadows" for this event, and traveled from England to conduct the premiere performance at the 1989 Wind Festival. In April of 1991, the Fresno State chapters had the honor of hosting the Western District Convention. Members from every chapter in the district were present, including future brothers from a soon-to-be colony of Kappa Kappa Psi at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. During the convention, KKPsi-Iota Alpha member Ronald Hill was elected to the office of Western District Secretary/Treasurer. A few weeks later, the Iota Alpha chapter learned that they had been chosen to sponsor the new colony at Cal Poly, which would later become the Iota Pi chapter. The sisters of Eta Omega were asked to assist their brothers in the parent chapter by becoming big sisters for the colony brothers. Over the Summer of 1991, the chapters were saddened to learn that Dr. M. Scott McBride, the chartering sponsor, had resigned his position at Fresno State to become the director of bands at Jacksonville State University in Alabama. They were in competent hands, however, when Dr. Lawrence R. Sutherland, Director of Bands at CSUF, became their new sponsor in the Fall of 1991. At National Convention Eta Omega won the Delegate Distance Award. In the Spring of 1992, the chapter hosted its second California State Days. All of the chapters in California, and a couple from Arizona were represented in Fresno. Festivities included a general meeting, social picnic, and continued late into the next morning. In celebration of the chapters' ever increasing devotion to their department, the Faculty and Staff of the Music Department purchased a brick, in the Spring of 1993, to be placed in the "Walkway of Distinction" leading up to the newly renovated Stillwater Station. In 1994 the chapters sponsored "Jazz Saturday" and provided pizza and sodas to the participants. In the Spring of 1996, the chapters hosted their third State Days. Most chapters sent representatives, and fun was had by all. Also in 1996, the brothers of IA became the parent chapter of the reinstalled Zeta Rho chapter at Modesto Junior College. In the Summer of 1997, National Convention was held in Arizona, and over half of Eta Omega was represented. Our school was represented in the National Intercollegiate Band, and we left an impression with many chapters. The chapters took a step into uncharted waters in the Spring of 1998. The chapters sponsored the Multiple Sclerosis walk. They helped out with the food and found a new service project. The chapters also took up Statesman gigs as a new fundraiser. It was a very promising year for the chapters. Kimbi Sigle was appointed District Counselor as well this year. In April 2000, the sisters of Eta Omega hosted the Western District Convention with the brothers of Iota Pi. It was a great success, and five Omega Class candidates were initiated in front of the entire Tau Beta Sigma Western District membership. Kimbi Sigle was also appointed District Counselor for the Western District. In May 2000, the brothers and sisters of Iota Alpha and Eta Omega were honored to initiate Dr. Gary Gilroy as an honorary brother and honorary sister. The sisters of Eta Omega also initiated Dr. Kathryn Bumpass as an honorary sister. In Fall of 2000, the sisters of Eta Omega received an important visit from Dolly McDonald, the Chapter Field Representative for Tau Beta Sigma. She visited for a few days, and attended activities with the group. Sadly, Dr. Lawrence Sutherland started to retire in the Spring of 2001. Dr. Gary took over as the new chapter sponsor. In the Fall of 2001, the brothers of Iota Alpha were visited by Derrick A. Mills, National Chapter Field Representative for Kappa Kappa Psi. Kimbi Sigle was elected National TBS VPCR at National Convention. In the Spring of 2002, the Fresno State Chapters hosted their 4th California State Days. The Band Olympics were a favorite activity, with Fresno State winning the G.B.C. and keeping their undefeated record. At the Western District Convetion, Bryan "GAUK" Raya was elected to the role of Kappa Kappa Psi Western District Member at Large and Suzanne "dayzee" Ruth was elected to Tau Beta Sigma VPSP. In the Spring of 2003, at the Western District Convention, Nick "NeWton" Chitwood was elected to the role of Kappa Kappa Psi Western District Member at Large and Marisa "Mystik" Garcia was elected to the roll of Tau Beta Sigma Western District VPSP. Kimbi Sigle was elected National VPSP at national convention. In the Spring of 2004, at the Western District Convention, Nick "NeWton" Chitwood was elected to the role of Kappa Kappa Psi Western District Vice President and Marisa "Mystik" Garcia was elected to the role of Tau Beta Sigma Western District President In the Spring of 2005 the sisters of Eta Omega initiated Dr. Hope Munro Smith and Cathy Salanitro as honorary sisters. At the Western District Convention, Marisa "Mystik" Garcia was elected to the role of Tau Beta Sigma Western District President. On May 4, 2005 the sisters presented the "Women in Jazz" Concert Series featuring guest saxophonist Mary Fettig. At the 2005 National Convention, Kimbi Sigle of the Beta Class of Eta Omega was elected to the position of National VPCM and President Elect for the 2007 National Convention. In Spring 2006 a service project that the chapters tried to get under their belts was holding an Instrument Petting Zoo for local kids to get a chance to try out instruments and see which one they might want to play. The joint chapters also held many fundraisers including a Vintage Days Food Booth and other food booths at Day of Percussion and High School Festival. They also sponsored the 27th annual Wind Festival. Alissa "tennessee" Ardito was voted Western District Secretary/Treasurer and Christina "RhapCidee" Stuhlmiller was made Western District VPSP. The sisters of HO were chosen with the brothers of IK to host the 2007 Convention for Colonization in Las Vegas, Nevada. Alexis "NaVi" Holladay received the Tau Beta Sigma District Acitve of the Year Award. Marisa "Mystik" Garcia received the Baton. HO also won chapter of the year for the district. The History, Alumni and Publications committee put together the "Docthology" project in honor of Doc's last year at Fresno State. This project included a large display at his last concert which had 4 scrapbooks of everything that Doc had done in his many years at Fresno State. In the Fall of 2006 the chapters helped welcome the interim marching band director Timothy Todd Anderson, an honorary brother and sister of the Alpha Eta chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi and the Beta Xi chapter of Tau Beta Sigma at the University of Florida. The joint chapters welcomed their largest candidate class in the history of the chapters with 8 Brother and 8 Sister candidates making a total of 16 new members by semester's end. The chapters hosted many receptions for the music department concerts and held a Bowl-A-Thon to raise the funds to buy new Wind Orchestra folders. The Brothers held their annual football tournament and the sisters held their annual basketball tournament. The joint chapters held a number of social activities for the marching band during the fall to promote the bonds between band members. HO made Nicholas Chitwood and Kris Aoki honorary sisters for their dedication and contributions to the sisters. IA made Chris Williams, the Marching Band Visual Technician, an honorary brother for his support and for upholding their ideals. In the Spring of 2007 the chapters worked hard on numerous fundraisers and service projects including two Vintage Days Food booths and helping out at the annual CBDA honor band conference. The Joint chapters had the privilege of hosting California State Days where they had numerous social activities including band Olympics. About 75 people came and everyone had a great time. A fundraiser was held during State Days called Bulldog Music Bash. It was a concert which featured local bands and was a huge success. The chapters also had many social activities sponsored by our new social committee. The sisters of HO hosted the For Music's Sake Outreach Conference in Las Vegas with the brothers of IK. The sisters won the Tau Beta Sigma Early Bird award for getting all of the chapter's paper work in on time. In the Fall of 2007 the Brothers of Kappa Kappa Psi made Dr. Loewenheim an honorary brother. Both Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi made Tim Anderson an honorary brother and sister of the chapters at Fresno State. At Band Spectacular, the joint chapters presented Director of Bands and former Sponsor Dr. Gary P. Gilroy with a jersey with his newly dubbed nickname on it: "GûzsCh." The brothers of Iota Alpha made J.D. Ortiz and Dr. Thomas Loewenheim honorary brothers for their dedication to the beliefs and ideals of the brotherhood. In the Spring of 2008, the sisters of Eta Omega made Hatem Nadim, Elisha Wilson, and Dr. Thomas Loewenheim honorary sisters for their dedication to the purposes and ideals of the sisterhood. The brothers of Iota Alpha made Chip and Teresa Hagans and Sal and Linda Archuletta honorary brothers for their continued support to the Fresno State marching band. At Western District convention in Boise, Idaho, sister Mary "BeAUx Peep" Pagendarm was elected to the office of Western District Vice President and sister Janet "Dagny" Maggio was elected to the position of Western District Secretary/Treasurer. |
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