Memories of The CHS Band by Phil Pfeffer
The Covington High School band hall was located on the corner of 18th avenue and Madison street. Those band members who brought their instruments home after school, could bring them back and leave them inside of the band hall before school. If it were locked, they would just leave them on the porch (do that today and someone would steal them). Not all instruments were easy to carry home; the bass drum and the tuba for instance.
The band met every day in the band hall at fifth period; i.e. 1 o’clock to 2 o’clock. They assembled in the large room of the band hall. Ray Wadenpfuhl was the band director. Directly in front of him were the cornets and trumpets. To his left were the clarinets and to his right were the saxophone(s), flute, French horn and trombones. The drums (percussion) was to his left past the cornets and clarinets. In a similar position to his right were the Baritone(s) and Sousaphones.
For the most part, the band played marches by John Philip Sousa, the March King. On the lighter side, they played ”In the Mood,” “Sing, Sing, Sing” or “The Happy Wanderer.” One favorite in the classical variety was “Zampa Overture.”
The band would play during the home football games, including playing the national anthem. They would perform at half time forming block letters or figures, while an announcer in the press box described the action on the field.
The band was also invited to march in New Orleans Mardi Gras parades. To get to New Orleans, the band had to get a school bus and travel around the lake via Slidell. For their participation, the band received between $75 and $125.
In the spring of 1955, the band had a dance (see photo for 1955 Band Ball court). In the photograph: Back Row: Gene Sykes, Lloyd Cambre, Phil Pfeffer, Nathan Sharp, Unknown --- James Montgomery, John Braun, Lionel Mathies, Reid Richardson, Vic Osbon, J.B. Fitzmorris. Front Row: Patsy Rushing?, Patsy Champaign, Betty Sharp, Rosemary Fredrick, Unknown. Frances Musante (Queen), Johnny McNeely (King), Marion Erwin, Lillie June Bruhl?, Peggy Casserta, Jackie Dell, Joan Crow?.
Each spring, the band performed in concert in the high
school gym (see 1953 concert program and band members below).
Click on the above image to see a larger version.
The 1953 band members consisted of:
Flute: Marion Erwin
Clarinets: Robert Fineran, Beverly Morgan, Lucille Fitzmorris, Joyce Smith, Barry Mahady, Lynell Theriot, Lynn Theriot, John Braun, Lionel Mathies and Lloyd Cambre
Bass Clarinet: Yvonne Keller
Alto Saxophone: Betty Williams and Billy Schroeder
Tenor Saxophone: Carolyn Beal
Cornets: Walter Smith, Kay Henderson, Ulmer Cleland, Charles Smith, Phil Pfeffer (trumpet) and Nathan Sharp
French Horn: Karen Burns
Trombones: Carol Burns and Joe Mathies
Baritones: Richard Warner and Victor Osbon
Sousaphones: Reid Richardson and A.V. Scheck
Percussion: John McNeely, Jimmy Breazeale and Beverly Pichon
Usherettes: Ellen Smith, Barbara Pennington and Sybil Wilson
The Elementary School Band consisted of:
Flutes: Eileen Mahady and Devra Moskovitz
Clarinets: Leonard Ochs, Nancy Dillon and Ronnie Fortier
Alto Saxophone; Arlene Jourdan
Cornets: Will Jones, Wendell Goodbee, Andy Willie, Floyd Perriloux, Michael Julian, Johnny Coltura; Don Ray Pellegrin and Eugene Sykes
Trombones: Doyle France and Martin Keller
Bell Lyre: Terry Mahady
Snare Drum: John Willoughby
