You will note that the bass drum of the 1929 Baldwin Band is much more professionally lettered
than the one which appears in the first photo shown on the previous page.

The band's first uniforms were soon to be replaced by a military style, but ironically, 50 years later, many bands would elect to adopt this style of uniform once again as corps-style marching bands emerged in the 80s.

Through-out the depression, the program grew and the high school band thrived. With the assistance of leading Birmingham residents such as Mrs. T.R. Navin, the band was able to afford to put on many concerts, buy uniforms and attend the first band festivals. With it's director a founding member, Birmingham participated in the South-eastern Michigan Band & Orchestra Association's (predecessor to today's Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association) first competition at which the proficiency of bands was evaluated by a panel of judges. The band has an exemplary record of high achievement at these festivals spanning nearly 3/4 of a century. A rare recording of the band at the first such festival is in the possession of the Birmingham Historical Museum.

The band even attracted notable guest conductors during the 30's such as world-renowned bandmaster and march composer Edwin Franko Goldman, Interlochen Academy & Music Camp founder Joe Maddy, and Director of bands at Michigan State University (as well as U-of-M concurrently for a time), Leonard Falcone.

By 1940, the band had to assemble across the plaza in front of the high school for its annual photograph. Within 18 months, its numbers would be cut almost in half as World War II prompted many young men to enlist right out of high school. Former band members served in the legendary flying tigers in Burma, on the ground in Europe, aboard the mightiest American battleships ever built, won medals such as the distinguished flying cross and several gave their lives in the service of their country aboard ships such as USS Wasp as well as on land. Band alumni have served with distinction in every branch of the service and in every conflict since then. This plaza is a parking garage today at Maple and Southfield where the cornerstone from Baldwin can still be found.

The story of Instrumental Music in Birmingham Schools continues ON THE NEXT PAGE

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