Historical Western Springs
Do You Remember “Music Under the Stars”?
In 1935, a few local musicians joined forces to form a summer orchestral group. It lasted well into the 1970’s and was considered one of the best semi-professional symphony orchestras in the Midwest.
In 1935, Theron McClure was a young, promising bass violinist. However, he and a group of other Western Springs youths felt they needed an opportunity during the summer months to hone their musical skills. So, young McClure approached a local piano teacher, Lela Hanmer, who was also on the faculty of the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago. He asked her help in forming an orchestra comprised of local area residents. With Miss Hanmer’s encouragement and leadership, the group approached the School Board and received permission to construct a band shell in the wooded area just north of Grand Avenue School. They then approached residents requesting one dollar per household to pay for construction materials. With $606 in hand for …
Joseph R. Martan
12:28 pm on Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Two comments. First, for those interested in outdoor musical entertainment, the West Suburban Concert Band has done summer concerts at Springdale Park and Ridgewood Park annually for many years. Concerts are free and theband plays a diverse selection of music from big band arrangements, broadway showtunes, American band classics and marches - including always something by Sousa. Second, why was … more ›