Until World War II the UK band was all-male. But in the spring of 1927, UK band director Elmer Sulzer casually mentioned to some women students that they should one day have a band of their own. Without further encouragement, forty-five women students met to form a brass band.
Reporting this phenomenon in the Kentucky Kernel under the headline "Males Again Retreat," Katherine Best wrote: "Weep, men, at your loss of prestige. No longer will ye olde brass band (male) strut down the field of honor with roses and hollyhocks strewn in its path; no longer will hats be raised to welcome 'the greatest band in Dixie.' No! Its rival has appeared! And on its own campus, too. We fear the results!"
Best added, "The only requirements for membership are a speaking acquaintance with music, and the rather restrictive quality of being a girl! Therefore, if your momma calls you daughter and you can read music, report to practice Tuesday, state your preference as to instruments, and automatically become a member."
From Our Rightful Place: Women at the University of Kentucky, 1880-1945 (University Press of Kentucky) 2020
ReplyDeleteCapstone multi specialty clinic, housing a pharmacy and a hospital, led by a team of experienced doctors, caters to your every medical emergency.