Entertaining Orange County Since 1973
Mason's first action was to hire John Kocher as the band manager, at the magnificent salary or $2.50 per hour, and Wilda Chad as the band librarian. Both were parents of then members of the Marina H.S. Band. On January 18, 1973, letters from Mason went out to selected high school musicians throughout the area, inviting them to attend the first rehearsal of the new band. He also contacted two local newspapers, the Pilot and the Register, and through their news stories invited members of the community. More than a few answered this ad, among them the five [editor's comment: as of 3/2003] members who are still with the band.
On Tuesday evening, February 6, 1973, the first rehearsal of the band took place. I remember it well! John had set up the chairs and stands and then identified the sections and invited everyone to grab a chair. After we were all seated and introductions made, John passed out the first two pieces of music played by this new band. First was "FESTIVO", by Nelhybel, and then "ELEGY" by William Hill. Mason announced that starting the following week there would be auditions among the principal sections. There were 60 people at this first rehearsal, evenly divided among student and adult performers.
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