Through the years Elkins High has gained popularity both locally and nationally for an outstanding band program. The band's history is a very colorful one as we can trace the first EHS band musicians back to the turn of the 20th century. Elkins High School students were first exposed to being members of a band around 1911, when they played with the Odd Fellow’s band directed by H.O. Blaker. These students practiced in the evening and after school with the Odd Fellow’s Band. This situation existed until 1926, when the Randolph County Board of Education hired Philip “Prof.” Davies as county music supervisor and music director at EHS. Prof. Davies directed the school orchestra and eventually formed the first school band during the 1928-1929 school year. The band did not have a uniform and the following year, the band sported the first ever band uniforms. An orange and black cape and “overseas” style cap was purchased by each of the 18 band students. Each member also bought a pair of black pants and put an orange stripe down each side to complete the uniform. Emmett Simmons was a student at the time and over the next 8-10 years, he assisted various band directors and worked with band instruction in the elementary schools and junior high school. In 1930, the EHS Band performed at the first Forest Festival and have been present for each subsequent festival.
In 1935, Mr. Wayne M. Reger became band director at Elkins High School . It was during Mr. Reger's tenure as band director that the size and musicianship of the band increased. It was also Mr. Reger's idea to form a parent group to help the band. The Elkins Band Auxiliary was formed in 1935 to support the band both financially and emotionally. In the fall on 1935, with the Band Auxiliary’s help, the band purchased new uniforms just in time for the Forest Festival. The elementary school comprehensive music programs were also started during Mr. Reger’s tenure in Elkins. After leaving Elkins, Mr. Reger traveled the world as a cornet virtuoso and clinician. In addition, he penned a nationally recognized beginning band book and also formed the youth Band of America, which toured Europe in the 1950s and 1960s.
In 1938, Mr. Leland Westfall was hired as band director at EHS. Mr. Westfall instituted many changes in the band including a new quick-step marching style and six band "sponsors". Each girl wore a block letter, so collectively they spelled (E-L-K-I-N-S). Also during Mr. Westfall's tenure, the band changed musical styles from the traditional march to the popular song. The band again purchased new unifroms in 1940.
In 1942, Mr. Clark H. "Prof" Siedoff was employed by the Randolph County Board of Education as the band director and music instructor for Elkins High School . Mr. Siedoff came from Salem College , where he was instrumental in starting the first high school band festival in West Virginia . From the onset of his career at EHS, Mr. Siedoff continued (with a few new wrinkles) the "fast paced" Tiger Band that included the six sponsors. In 1953, the EHS Band was honored to perform, to rave reviews by the Chicago Tribune, at the Chicagoland Music Festival. It was during the Chicagoland Music Festival performances, that the band performed several original compositions by Henry Fillmore, a friend of "Prof" Siedoff. In addition, the band performed at the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. During Mr. Siedoff’s tenure, the band became known for the " Charleston " step on the street as well as street drills for a polka and other swing tunes. Also during “Prof’s” tenure, the first stage band was formed. The “Rhythm Kings” performed locally for many years. In addition to his duties at EHS, Mr. Siedoff directed the ROTC Band at Davis and Elkins College . Mr. Siedoff retired in 1960 and was elected mayor of Elkins in 1961. In was while serving in this capacity that Mr. Siedoff was tragically killed in an auto accident in 1966.
In 1960, Elkins native Mr. Jack Basil took the directorship of the band and led them to a new level of success with the " Charleston ", "Band Jive", "Everything's Coming Up Roses" and "Brasses to the Fore". Under Mr. Basil's leadership the EHS Band represented West Virginia at the New York World's Fair of 1964, the JayCee’s Parade in Baltimore , Maryland , and the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington , D.C. , the Sun Fun Festival in Myrtle Beach , South Carolina , as well as other well-known festivals. Mr. Basil maintained the high standards of the show band style and introduced twirling of batons to the new majorette line. New band uniforms were purchased under Mr. Basil’s direction. In 1975, Mr. Basil was appointed Randolph County Music Supervisor. He held this position until 1980, when he became the band director at Elkins Junior High School . Mr. Basil is known by many as not only a fine band director, but an outstanding artist and church choir director. He was chosen as West Virginia Outstanding Band Director of the Year in 1984-85.
The band bleachers, constructed in 1996 at Wimer Field, are named in honor of two pioneers of the Elkins bands, Mr. Siedoff and Mr. Basil. Additionally, a leadership award is given each year in honor of Mr. Basil to a student in the band who displays outstanding accomplishment in music, scholarship, leadership, and community service.
In 1975, Mr. Glenn Goodwin became director continued the "show band" tradition, adding Chicago ’s "Make Me Smile" to the parade song lineup. In 1975, the EHS Band performed alongside President Gerald Ford during the Forest Festival Grand Feature Parade and in 1978, also under Mr. Goodwin’s leadership, the EHS Band performed for President Jimmy Carter upon his arrival at the Forest Festival. Following four-year tenure as band director, Mr. Goodwin became an administrator at Elkins Junior High School and Elkins High. He is presently retired and living in the Clarksburg , WV area.
Mr. Goodwin was followed by Mr. Jay Moon in 1979 and during his time at EHS he introduced the popular "N.F.L." (Horizontal Hold) tune that is still played today. Mr. Moon was an outstanding jazz musician and under his direction, the stage band name was changed to jazz ensemble. Although Mr. Moon taught at Elkins High for only one year, many students were influenced by his outstanding musical knowledge. Mr. Moon left EHS to accept a position as band director at Allegany High School in Cumberland , MD (his alma mater). Presently, Mr. Moon teaches in Allegany County , MD.
In 1980, Mr. Walter Warren III was hired as director of the EHS Band. Mr. Warren began a move to more contemporary "corps" style marching, while keeping with many of the show band themes. Corps style marching was just becoming popular during this time period and EHS was on the cutting edge. The Elkins High Band was in a unique position as one of the few hybrid bands, combining both corps and show styles. Presently, Mr. Warren is an elementary music teacher in Martins Ferry, OH.
In 1982, Mr. Don Hershberger became the director and finalized the transition to corps style marching while introducing a flag corps to Elkins. Mr. Hershberger was a seasoned band director who had produced many fine bands throughout West Virginia . During Mr. Hershberger’s tenure, the band entered the world of band competition for the first time. This is a tradition that is still maintained today. Through Mr. Hershberger’s leadership, the EHS Band was recognized statewide not only for an outstanding marching band, but a fine concert band as well. Mr. Hershberger is presently living in the Weirton , WV area.
Following Mr. Hershberger's two years as director, in 1984, Mr. Robert Dunkerley assumed the position of Director of Bands. Through Mr. Dunkerley's nine year directorship, the corps style was maintained and the band was recognized throughout the state for creative marching concepts. In 1990, the Elkins High Shieldline was born. Borrowing an idea from the bands of California , 8 shields were purchased by local businesses and civic organizations. Elkins High became the first West Virginia band to use shields. It was also during Mr. Dunkerley's tenure that the EHS Drumline became a force to be reckoned with as it won state acclaim and produced many fine percussionists. In 1993, the band moved into a new and modern EHS. Mr. Dunkerley became Director of Jazz Studies at EHS in 1993 and is presently County Education Director in Tucker County , WV .
In 1993, Elkins High School was closed and a new school, Forest Hills High School was opened. Mr. Tim Channell, another Elkins native, became the director with the school change and reinstated an updated version of the show band style. The Forest Hills “Timberwolves” Band became the local band. This new school name, mascot and school colors were not popular with many in the community however and after one year, the school name was changed back to Elkins High School . Mr. Channell continued as director and in 1998 introduced the new "Tigerette" dance line. During Mr. Channell’s tenure, the band performed at numerous venues including Universal Studios in Orlando, FL and the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, TN. Presently, Mr. Channell is Director of Alumni and Parent Relations at West Virginia Wesleyan College and resides in Buckhannon , WV .
Over the years, the Elkins High Band has become one of the most traveled bands in the state, gaining a reputation of an exemplary band program. Mr. Caplinger’s first tenure with the band was from 2000-2004. In 2000, the EHS Sheildline was reborn, having been disbanded with the Forest Hills name change. It was under Mr. Caplinger’s leadership, that the band qualified for it’s first ever TOB Atlantic Coast Championship. It was also during this time that the band earned the nickname “The Spirit of the Mountains”. This name said a lot about who the band was and where it was from. During Mr. Caplinger’s earlier tenure, the EHS Band became one of the most traveled bands in West Virginia . In 2001, the band performed in the Magic Music Days at Walt Disney World in Orlando , FL. In 2003, the “Spirit” performed in the oldest parade in America ; the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This performance was broadcast on national television.
Following Mr. Caplinger’s directorship, the band was directed by Ms. Becky Whittaker. Ms. Whittaker served as director from September 2004 until June 2005. During this year, the band again performed at Walt Disney World. Mr. Drew Aires became director in 2005 and served until June 2007. Presently the EHS Band is again under the direction of Elkins native Mr. Jeff Caplinger. In the fall of 2007 the band qualified an unprecedented fourth TOB Atlantic Coast Championships. With enrollment and enthusiasm up, the sky is limit as we look to the future. As we continue in the 21st century, the EHS Band remains a strong and vital part of the community. The band strives to be progressive and yet doesn't forget our great band history and traditions. It is commonly known that Elkins is really a "band town". The support that the band receives from the community is second to none! As the years pass, the EHS Band continues to strive for excellence and represent EHS and the Elkins area with pride and enthusiasm.
"Fighting Tigers Spirit"
Throughout the history of the Elkins High Band, many great musicians who have participated in the program have gone on to develop outstanding band programs of their own, to become professional musicians, and to work within the music industry. The Elkins High Band looks forward to an exciting future by promoting musical excellence . Each student, past and present, has provided enthusiasm and spirit to ensure a strong loyalty to the "Fighting Tigers" of Elkins High School .
