Spartan Marching Band Charting of the 1950s

While serving as Director of Bands at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Dr. Drobnak located a foot locker containing several binders from the Michigan State years in late 2014. Once Mr. Stover was appointed Drillmaster and Assistant Director of Bands at Michigan State, he probably became responsible for maintaining a master copy of all charting formations. Many of the charts in these books are in color and must be originals, or "an" original. When he left Michigan State for Alva, he took his set of charting books. This set may be the only set that survives. Some of the highlights are posted below. 

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Above: 1952 Michigan State College Marching Band Season. Mr. Stover played trumpet in the band during this season. Mr. Falcone told Stover that he was probably too old to march 220 beats per minute after auditioning before the 1952 season and Stover told him, "I just got out of the army. I can do anything these kids can do!" 

Above: 1953 season. Several binders exist from this season. This binder was found in the music resource library shoved in between scores to beginning method books. This binder did have some water damage. There are at least 2 other binders from this season, not including the charting with the 1953-1954 scrapbook. 

Above: 1954 Season. The High School Band Day Celebrated the Centennial of John Philip Sousa. 

Above: 1955 Season, includes 1956 Rose Bowl. Two copies of the Rose Bowl show were found, one in color on grid paper believed to be an original or at least the final draft and a black/white copy presumably distributed to band members. The originals are in Mr. Stover's handwriting. The US Shield formation was used at several games and both bands are on the field. One forms the "US" and the other forms the surrounding shield. The music in the background is from a Marching Band Rehearsal in preparation for the 1956 Rose Bowl. This season also featured the 2nd Annual Band Day, with nearly 2000 high school band members. E. F. Goldman served as conductor and the massed group spelled out "GOLDMAN" on the field.