Temple University Bands is a vital part of the artistic, athletic and social communities of the Temple University campus.
The Temple Band was formed in 1925 when Herbert E. McMahan, a senior in what was at that time the School of Commerce, created a 40-member ensemble of young men. The band was an ensemble of primarily saxophone players, was self-financed, and played for Temple University football games. Charles Golder, a member of the Philadelphia Elks Band, was the Director for the first year. The following year, George Otto Frey became the Director, and in 1927, H. Edward Pike assumed the first full-time Directorship. The tradition of forming the Temple "T" on the field was established during these formative years and is still practiced today.
In 1946, Dr. John H. Jenny replaced Pike and named the outdoor band the Diamond Band. In fact, the band's letterhead read: "The University Band built on Acres of Diamond" with rehearsals on Wednesday nights at the Temple Stadium. During the late 1940s, because many men were serving in World War II, membership in the Diamond Band opened to women. As students returned from military service after the war, the band program began to grow and flourish.
The ROTC Band was created and directed by Robert Childs and The Owl Band, (a "rookie" band), was created and directed by Howard Chivian. In 1953, Chivian replaced Jenny as the Director of the Diamond Band, and when Chivian passed away in 1957, Morry Helzner assumed the directorship. Today, an award in honor of Howard Chivian is still presented annually at Commencement. Directors in the 1960s included Larry Weed, James Coakley and James Herbert in 1970.
Arthur D. Chodoroff was Director of Bands from 1977-2011. Under his leadership, the concert and athletic bands developed and grew: the Wind Symphony became the premier wind band of the Boyer College, producing commercial recordings and performing at state and regional conferences and Symphonic an Collegiate Bands were created to serve the growing population of instrumental music students. The Diamond Marching Band continued to thrive with greater participation. With this growth, the Diamond Basketball Band emerged and a position for an Athletic Band Director was created.
Temple University Bands continue to grow under the directorship of Dr. Patricia Cornett and Dr. Matthew Brunner. The Diamond Marching Band is the largest in membership since the history of the program; the Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band perform more frequently throughout the season (locally and abroad); ensembles have annual opportunities to work with guest artists and composers; and the Night Owls Campus/Community Band, open to members of the community, alumni, faculty and students.
Note: This Temple Band historical information is partially paraphrased and excerpted from an article by Maureen Walsh Scallatino, a Temple Band Alumna, published in "The Temple Review" in 1986 in commemoration of the Diamond Band´s 60th anniversary.
