Westby High School Orchestra

Reuben Hagen, Cornet; Joel Hendrickson, Clarinet; Harold Stevlingson, Clarinet;
Otis Holmen, Clarinet; Harold Fredrickson, Violin; Chester Olson, Violin;
Jorgen Justin, Flute; Theodore Paulson, Flute; Alda Anderson, Piano.       

Since 1911, attempts were made to start an orchestra at Westby High School; but due to lack of time, the years passed by before the orchestra was organized. In 1914, however, we succeeded in starting one.

If you could only have heard the exquisite strains that floated out on the breeze the first evening the boys met for practice. It really reminded a person of the melodious utterances of a cat, a donkey, and a hog. On their first appearance in public the boys were showered with bouquets, and three vases of beautiful flowers were presented.

The tooting of Reuben Hagen’s cornet can be heard above all other instruments. If he is absent nothing can be accomplished. Harold Fredrickson, our Ole Bull, likes to rush ahead with the melody, but with difficulty is held in check.

Miss. Morris, our second grade teacher, has very ably directed this body. We are fortunate in having someone in our midst who can do the work. Miss. Norris is well qualified for this work, for she had devoted much time to the study of the violin.

The orchestra has furnished music for many school and city programs; and it will, of course, play an important part in our commencement exercises.

The school is very proud of its orchestra, and it has a reason to be; for very few infant high schools can boast of one. We hope that other pupils will step in to take the places of our Senior boys, so that our High School can continue its orchestra work next year.

The following are the members of our orchestra: Reuben Hagen, Cornet; Joel Hendrickson, Clarinet; Harold Stevlingson, Clarinet; Otis Holmen, Clarinet; Harold Fredrickson, Clarinet; Chester Olson, Violin; Jorgen Justin, Flute; Theodore Paulson, Flute; Alda Anderson, Piano.