Bynum, Dr Raymond T 1975-10-13

Dr. Raymond T. Bynum discusses the development of high school and college bands in Texas and his career as a band student at Hardin-Simmons University and a teacher at Abilene High School.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Dr. Raymond T. Bynum

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: October 13, 1975

Location: Abilene, Texas

Interviewer: Richie Cravens

Length: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Simmons College Band (1922), Band instruments played, "The Cowboy Band", Bynum's creation of half-time shows, First instruments, D. O. Wiley, Rehearsals, Performing at rodeos, Band trips, Membership, Austin Harding, No training for band directors, Taught Spanish at Abilene High School, Organization of Abilene High School band, Town bands

Tape 1, Side 2: Development of high school bands in Texas, Financing band equipment, Selling refreshments at football games, Bynum's innovations in band instruction, Rehearsals on school time, Physical education credit for band, Half-time shows, Uniforms for Abilene High School band, Rentals, Bynum's creation of elementary school bands, Former Abilene High School band members, Gid Walter, Dean of Juliard School of Music, Bryce Jordon, President of the University of Texas at Dallas, Texas, Ralph Mills, of Sam Houston State University, Former McMurry graduates, Precision marching, Percussion instruments, High school band contests, National contests

Tape 2, Side 1: Tulsa National Contest (1931), Bands were ranked, Last of kind, John Philip Sousa as judge, Marching, Abilene, Texas, High School Band, Members (early 1930s), Football games, Selling programs, concession stand, School budget, Out-of-town trips, Dr. Bynum, Band career, Teaching grade school band, Abilene High School Band, Mixed band, Girls band, Stage performances, High School Orchestra

Tape 2, Side 2: Town bands, Abilene, Texas, Anson, Texas, Town orchestras, Play for free, Abilene Symphony, Summer band schools, Free band practice, Payment, Importance, All-State Band , Began (late 1930s), Band contests, West Texas Chamber of Commerce Convention, School band contests, Texas Music Educators Association, University Interscholastic League, National-Regional contests, Further education, Bachelor of Music, VanKoch School of Music, B. A. in Spanish, Band clinics

Tape 3, Side 1: Texas Band Teachers Association, Began (1924), Conventions, Cowboy band, Founded (1922), Trinity University, Waxahachie, Texas, San Antonio, Texas, Wife's grandparents on first faculty, Texas Band Teachers Association, Influential members, Resistance to orchestral and chorale teachers, Texas Bandmasters Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Strength, Objectives, Honors, Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Mineral Wells, Texas, Conventions, Meeting minutes, John Victor, Music text books, Victor Method, Trombone player, Director, Abilene Symphony, Private music teacher, Victor Method, First study book, Designed for students, Official text book

Tape 3, Side 2: Band academic credit, Colleges, TMEA, Band teaching, President of TMEA (1942), McMurry College, Acquiring job, Salary, Meredith Wilson, "Music Man", "Unsinkable Molly Brown", First flautist, New York Philharmonic, McMurry College Band, Equipment, Members, Promotion, Trips

Tape 4, Side 1: Band trips, Local, Bus troubles, Church performances, Accommodations, Rotarian Anniversary European tour, Monterey, Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico, Scholarships, Academic credit, Membership

Tape 4, Side 2: Blank

Tape 5, Side 1: First band school (1948), Band directors, Dr. James Nevins, G. Gilligan, Advertising, Students' ages, Staff increase, Enrollment, Out-of-state students, Entertainment, Movies, Recitals, Dances, Problems, Fees, Salaries, Twirling classes

Tape 5, Side 2: Teacher training school, Band directing, Public relations, Horn repairman, Psychology, First aide, Drill sergeant, Buying uniforms, Former students as directors, Band leaders, Skills, Administration, Football coach relationships at McMurry, High school athletic relationships, Chuck Moser, Band and football competition, American Bandmasters Association, Elected to membership (1953), First convention attended, Members, Projects

Range Dates: 1922-1953

Bulk Dates: 1922-1953

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