Kingsport’s Band Formed by “Green” Musicians in 1907

 

 

First Instrument Purchased by Guy E. DeVault as Impetus

Toward Organization of Musicians Into a band

 

 

PRESENT BAND RATES WITH ANY IN STATE

 

 

Old Band Taken to Scene of First Concert on Hay Wagon--

Instruments Ordered From a Mail Order House

 

 

By Guy E. DeVault

 

The Kingsport Concert Band was organized in November, 1907.  The writer purchased the first instrument and after the boys took a good look at the queer looking device, they decided to call a meeting to see what could be accomplished. The first meeting was a failure, as some of the bunch wanted the band and others were discouraged. However, I was determined to have a band so I called another meeting. This time, we were successful and the organization was effected. Each member paid into the treasury $15.00, with which we bought the instruments.

 

The officers of the first band were: J. S. Vance, President; Guy E. DeVault, Secretary; W. S. Pierce, Treasurer. The members were Robert Crum, cornet; Charles Crum, cornet; Dock Pierce, cornet; Sam Vance, alto; Dave Pierce, alto; James Crum, tenor; Decatur Arnold, trombone; Guy E. DeVault, baritone; W. S. Pierce, B-Flat bass; Noah Smallwood, tuba; W. A. Trimble and Charles Smallwood, drummers, also Dr. E. W. Tipton, Dr. Mooney, Dr. G. G. Keener, James Trimble and Claud Warrick.

 

The instruments were ordered from a well known mail order house. After their arrival, we called another meeting for the purpose of selecting the instrument best suited to each man. If a member could sing tenor, he was given the trombone; if he could sing bass, he got the tuba; and if he couldn't sing at all, he was given the drum; until every man had an instrument.

 

IGNORANT GANG

 

It was amusing to see this organization on the occasion of the first meeting after receiving the instruments. Some could make a sound and some couldn't. We scarcely knew the difference between a bass and a cornet and as we knew nothing at all about a note or what it looked like, we advertised for a teacher.

 

In a few days we employed Eugene LaCock, who at that time was playing in the Soldiers Home Band as a clarinet soloist. After about 60 days we were playing easy marches and the national airs. Soon after, Mr. LaCock left and Charles (Jack) Cox happened to come our way and we hired him to direct our band. Jack was a fine musician and he stayed with the band three or four years.

 

Our first public appearance was at Horse Creek School. We played for the closing school exercises. This school was then taught by Miss Smith, now the wife of Mayor John W. Harrison, of this city.

 

As we had no automobiles then, we were taken to our first job on a hay wagon. On our way over to the school house we stopped at Mr. Pierce's home and had supper. The members will never forget this treat as they certainly got a lot of good eats.

 

Our next engagement was a three day job at Bristol, beginning July 4, 1908. At this time we had neat new regulation uniforms and were playing some good music. For the next four years the band played for most every occasion in the surrounding country, but after 1912 was not very active.

In the year 1916, the band was reorganized with most all new members. Marvin Ellison was the new director but during the war, the band again disrupted.

 

REORGANIZE AGAIN

 

In 1920 I began to solicit names to reorganize the band. We called a meeting and every musician in the city was present.  A. W. Gustwick was the director. The corporations of the city donated enough funds to buy some of the instruments.

 

Our first appearance as a new organization was July 4, 1920.  With a 20-piece band and white uniforms, we made a good showing.  Mr. Gustwick soon left and Rev. Grady Davis was secured as director.  He was followed by M. F. Ellison.

 

In the year 1925, Charles Wyle became director.  He was followed by W. H. Scott.  At the present time the band is directed by S. T. Witt, who is also the director of the high school band and orchestra: two splendid organizations that have grown leaps and bounds.

 

The Kingsport Concert Band now ranks as one of the best in the surrounding country.

 

ENCOURAGING YOUNGSTERS

 

We should encourage these youngsters that belong to the high school band and orchestra and parents should not miss the opportunity to get the boy or girl in the band.  Give them music and it will help them at home.

 

Has anyone ever thought of the tremendous and increasingly important part that music plays in our modern life?  Just give the matter a little serious thought.  Music today is one of the most powerful influences and activities: young America has caught the spirit and responds most surprisingly to musical activity.  Turn where you may, and you will find that music today has a stronger hold on the public than ever before.  The desire to hear good music and the desire to perform on some instrument is growing.

 

The prospects for a larger band in Kingsport are better today than ever before.  The summer season is drawing near and let us look forward to the evening concerts given by the band.