About the Book
This delightful book is a pictorial and historical accounting of the Spirit of the Eagle in the development of the Athens High School Band. From the dreams and requests on the part of the student body, to the inception and struggle to keep the program in tact during the war years, the story unfolds. With 5 directors in 6 ½ years, AHS band members stood firm in their determination to preserve the early Golden Eagle Band.
A young sailor, fresh from the South Seas, answered “the call” in late 1945. James L. Cowart found 17 members still on roll and set about growing the band. A strong foundation was established, and the Athens Band worked to earn a reputation as a top contest band in the state. Each year brought challenges and opportunities. Their achievements are shown in pictures, memorabilia and stories, interviews, and articles.
.jpg)
Above: Margie Rose and Milton Looney (1949-1950)
By 1966, Mr. Cowart saw the need for an assistant director. His search led him to select a young man from Florence State College, Dan Havely. Mr. Havely immediately assumed the responsibility of the senior band. While Mr. Cowart had established the foundation and led the band to statewide fame, Mr. Havely took the program forward. He maintained the established, respected band reputation and further developed a top-rate marching program. This took the bands to state and national contests, bowl parades, and guest appearances at football halftimes. The trophies for top honors are numerous and described with each year earned. This is the story of the remarkable Athens Golden Eagle Band, 1938 — 2000.
Stories and Interviews
A Partial Listing:
The Had-A-Call Show……………………................Author
Under the Lights: A 1st Encounter.......Buzz Estes
Music in the Attic……………….................…………Author
Memories: Class of 1956…...…..Gloria Rose Smith
Moody-Grass Shorts………………..............………Author
How’s YOUR Poker Face?…………............……..Author
“Woodshedding” Worth……………............……...Author
Orange Bowl Parade……...........……………Dan Havely
Reflections……………………………...................Pat Bacon
Just Band Camp Week…………........….….Hugo Bates
Uh-Oh, Don’t Tell Me That’s Snow….....Dan Havely
A Nationally-Televised Parade-for All…..….Author
Parent Volunteer………………...........……....Hugo Bates
Performing on Orange Bowl Field……....…...Author
The Path to the Alamodome…………........…….Author
Bios, Tributes, and Special Mentions
A Partial Listing:
All early band directors
Mr. Cowart and Mr. Havely
Rebecca DuPuy, Majorette Coach
Jane and Joan DuPuy, Timeless Performers
Horace Rogers, Artist to the Band
Mr. Nuncie LeBerte, Longest Standing Supporter
Chris Edwards, Longest Standing Treasurer
Hugo Bates, Longest Serving Parent Volunteer
Neal Flum and Stan Gillispie, Specialists
Hundreds of Photographs
A Partial Listing:
Multiple photographs representing every year
of AHS Bands beginning 1938 through 2000
Early bands influencing the AHS band program
All directors (5th_12th) and auxiliary specialists
Dance Bands and Jazz Bands
The first band, first uniforms, first seniors
Blue-Gray, Inaugural, Home Parades, Pep Rallies University of Alabama and Alpine Band Camps Stadium Bands, Field Bands, and Formations Concert Bands and State Contest performances Festivals, Competitions - Apple Blossom, Smoky Mountain, U of A, Six Flags, Fiesta Bowl Parades and Pageants of Bands, Cotton Bowl Parade, Mississippi Classic, Citrus Bowl, Tribute on
Orange Bowl Field, Opryland, Sugar Bowl,
Festivals at Vanderbilt, St. Louis, New Orleans,
Alamo Bowl, and more photos from alumni.
Appendix
A Partial Listing:
Listing of All-State Members and Instruments
from Festival inception in 1947 — 2000
Listing of Repertoire played at State Contest,
Class of Bands, and Ratings, 1947 - 2000