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The Ram Band at Angelo State University is a collection of college musicians who come from a variety of backgrounds and geographical areas throughout Texas and abroad. As one of the school’s longest running groups on campus, it has become one of the school’s most important traditions. The program itself has evolved from a handful of students to having not just one ensemble that supports athletics, but an array of bands that range from supporting athletics to performing classical and Jazz music as well. No other organization on campus has experienced the growth, nor enjoyed the popularity that the band has had over the last six decades.

It all started in 1940, twelve years into the school’s existence, when band was first offered at the then San Angelo College. William Leon Ardis was charged to act as the director, and assembled 29 wind and percussion players. The first uniforms, like many bands of the day, were inspired by military uniforms. The group was officially called the San Angelo College band, but most people called them the ramblers (after the Ramboillet, our school’s mascot). At this time Band wasn’t offered for credit, but students were offered half scholarships. The maximum goal for enrollment was 40 members, and entry was by audition only.

(Above: The SAC Band in 1941.)

The next few years saw a great deal of expansion for The Ramblers. In 1941 they expanded their performance schedule to encompass not just football games, but also basketball games, pep rallies, and assembly programs. The band traveled to Kerville for its first away game. By the end of their third year the band was taking on even more performances to include civic functions (such as parades). Their many performances elevated them to become the most popular group on campus as they steadily earned a reputation for being, “…the classiest band in the south west.”

In 1947, William Leon Ardis stepped down as Band Director and was succeeded by Otis Harvey. During his brief, two year stay, Harvey continued to build the band off of the strong foundation that Ardis had laid down. Soon the Ramblers were up to 43 members and performed all over the place. This was truly the band’s first peak.  

(Above: Otis Harvey conducts the Ramblers during a football game, 1948)

In 1950 a new director, Savell Lee Sharpe, took charge of the band. During his two year stay the band plummeted to an all time low, with only 17 students participating in the Spring ‘50 concert band. Never has our band fallen so far so quickly.

Hope came in 1952 when “Bill” Ardis, who had been mostly focused in the Speech department, returned to save the band he’d founded. It could be more than coincidence that the band was 29 members strong, and though all of Ardis’ former musicians had moved on, he still lead the band to a break through year. The marching band performed in the Oleander Bowl Game on New Year’s Day in Galveston. Ardis also took the Spring concert band on its first tour, performing at several venues throughout west Texas.

The director who assumed the position the following year was J.D. Davis. In Davis the band had found a truly worthy successor to Ardis. Growth was slow at first, but as the band resumed its upward climb, the number of musicians increased.

By 1955 the marching band was cooperating with the Ramettes during half time shows. At that time the Ramettes were a large, female only drill team that later converted into a dance team called the Angelettes. This partnership still remains today. Additionally the concert band expanded by breaking into two ensembles: The SACsters and the Dixie Cats. The SACsters assumed basketball band duties while the Dixie Cats became a solid Jazz band. Davis even played on the trap set!

1957 witnessed the first uniform change from the military style to a flashy cowboy inspired uniform that even the director wore. With this new look came a new name as the marching band was referred to as the “Ram Horn Band.”

Davis was close to his students, and under his baton the band prospered. The man who took his place was Mr. Jack Hudgins. He managed to maintain the “Ram Horn Band” during his two years, but when he left in 1964 (right as the band once again hit 41 members), many students left, dropping the band down to 30 members. In an effort to keep the band from falling any further, J.D. Davis (who’d been focused on teaching math) returned to his post as Band Director in true “Bill” Ardis fashion.

Davis was relieved of his duty the next year when Ronald Rathbun became the head Band Director. Mr. Rathbun was one of the most well trained directors to take the podium at ASU. He furthered the band during his two years before moving on in 1966.

(Above: ASC Concert Band on its spring tour at Six Flags in 1968)

After going through 3 directors in 5 years, the band finally found stability with Mr. Eddie Pace. The school also experienced change when it was renamed to Angelo State College. Accordingly, Pace renamed the spring semester band to the “ASC Concert Band.” The following year witnessed the birth of two exclusive band clubs when Pace saw the need for leadership organizations outside of band council. These two groups were called The Band Aides (for women) and The Ram Men’s Band Club (for men). Both groups were dedicated to serving the band, and yearned to become chapters of Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi (respectively).

The 1968-69 school year saw even more reform. The marching band received new uniforms, converting from the cowboy inspired suits to a much more modern style with blue and gold colors. This uniform inspired the nickname “The Golden Ram Band,” which would stick for decades to come. The Ram Men’s Band Club achieved their goal in December of ‘68 when they were chartered as the Epsilon Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. The Band Aides followed two years later in January of 1971 when they were chartered as the Delta Tau Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma. This is the same year that the school was renamed to Angelo State University. By the time Pace resigned his position the band had grown to 68 members and was stronger than ever.

1975 was a huge year for the Golden Ram Band. Mr. Harris Brinson took over as the Head Director of Bands, and he was just in time to see the band move into the brand new Robert & Nona Carr Education Fine Arts Building. The marching band exploded, with 127 members, and this was the first year that the Color Guard was incorporated into the marching shows as well. Dr. David Fennell became the ASU band’s first Assistant Director of Bands, and both directors quickly gained the respect of their students. 1975-76 was the foundation year of what would truly become a dynasty.

The next few years saw some reorganization. In the spring semester of 1977 the ASU Concert Band was finally divided to become the Symphonic Band (the primary band) and the Concert Band (the secondary band), taught and conducted by Mr. Brinson & Dr. Fennell respectively. The following semester brought new (mostly yellow) uniforms for the Marching Band. By the Spring of 1978 the Dixie Cats had been converted to the ASU Jazz Band. During the following year, Dr. Fennell sponsored a new group called the Music Educators National Conference, which initially consisted of mostly Kappa Kappa Psiand Tau Beta Sigma members. It was also this year that the Ramettes drill team converted to the Angelettes dance team.

Under the Brinson/Fennell combo the band continued to grow and flourish. The band received new uniforms again in 1984. “RAMS” was spelled in an arc across the chest so that everyone watching knew where they were from! These came just in time for a breakthrough year in 1984-85. Dr. Brinson was invited to Ireland to judge three band contests and the “St. Patrick’s Day Parade” in Dublin. In the spring semester the Golden Ram Marching Band performed at the Houston Live Stock Show & Rodeo on February 16th in the Astrodome, where there were approximately 75,000 in attendance. Additionally, the Symphonic Band was selected as one of five bands to perform at the TMEA Convention, which was a big first. On the way up they also performed for crowds in Mason, Leander, Georgetown and Austin. In regards to this amazing year, Brinson said it was an, “…outstanding year and much was done to get us recognized.”

(Above: The Golden Ram Band in 1986 in the “Diamond ASU” form during a half time show)

This was truly a special time to be a part of the “Golden Ram Band.” In 1987 Brinson was quoted as saying that there was, “oneness,” among band people. It is, “…fun to work with people who love music.” Dr. Brinson continued to garner recognition and draw attention to ASU. In 1988 he judged at the “St. Patrick’s Day Parade” for the second time in three years.

The band entered the 90’s with 160 members! In 1992 the band performed for a second time at the TMEA All-State Convention. In 1993, Mr. Brinson was selected to conduct the Marine Band, “Band of the President of the United States.” Their normal conductor at the time, Colonel John Bourgeois stated, “You have to be considered one of the top conductors in the United States, and Harris Brinson has achieved that status.”

Mr. Edward Surface recalled these years fondly, saying that on Game Days, cars were lined up bumper to bumper down Johnson Avenue. At the stadium, alumni were lined up from wall to wall, and families often attended and brought their children with them so that they could see the Golden Ram Band. This today remains the high point of the ASU Ram Band program.

(Above: The Golden Ram Band during a half time show in 1993)

Tragedy struck in 1996 when Dr. David Fennell died of AIDS which had been contracted through complications during a blood transfusion. Dr. Christopher Neal was named the new Assistant Director of Bands. Outside of Dr. Fennell’s family, perhaps the most devastated by Fennell’s death was Mr. Brinson. Not only had the two built the Ram Band into one of the premier bands in Texas for over twenty years, but prior to teaching at ASU, the duo taught at Pampa High School for a number of years, having prior met each other while attending school at West Texas State University. With his long time friend gone, Mr. Harris Brinson retired as the Director of Bands at ASU in 1997. He no doubt went out with a bang as the ASU Symphonic Band performed for a third and (to this date) final time at the TMEA Convention. Upon his retirement, he was named Director of Bands Emeritus, meaning that he will always have an open invitation to return to his position as Head Director of Bands at ASU.

Dr. Christopher Neal (who’s currently Director of Bands at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas) was named the Interim Director of Bands until a suitable successor could be found. During his year in this position he modified the Symphonic Band into the Wind Ensemble that is still being used today.

In 1998, Dr. David Scott was named the new Director of Bands, while Dr. Neal was placed as Assistant Director of Bands. With Dr. Scott’s arrival into the San Angelo community came a new spirit that flowed throughout the band. The Ram Band marched into numerous stadiums receiving standing ovations for their performances of the popular Doobie Brothers and for adding props such as bed sheets to give characters like Woody Woodpecker, Mickey Mouse, and Bullwinkle Moose eyes during a fun “Cartoon Show.” Dr. Scott included not only new shows to the band, but an explanation of the importance of the different shows. Marching shows covered a variety of genres such as Classical, Rock and Roll, Patriotic, Latin, Disco, Broadway and Hollywood. Dr. Scott also incorporated different styles of marching in the shows such as corps style, show band, and military marching as a learning tool for future band directors. Though the music was entertaining for audiences, the drill was simplified to a few formations per song, many of which were simple shapes. This hurt the morale of many students, who didn’t feel challenged by the drill.

In 1999, the ASU Ram Band welcomed the new assistant director of bands, Dr. Doug Overmier. 

This proved to be a big year the ASU Band. In the Fall the Ram Band performed at the grand opening of the San Angelo Fine Arts Museum. The Wind Ensemble represented San Angelo very well when it was invited to perform at the State Capital while on its spring semester tour.

The band program entered a rough patch in the fall semester of 2000 when Dr. Scott was made the acting Head of the Department of Art & Music while still working as the Director of Bands, as this spread him out considerably more than before. Additionally, for reasons related to faculty members and administrative policy changes, the numbers in the Marching Band started to decline. Never the less, the ASU Band program continued on and dealt with these challenges throughout the next three years.

2003 kicked off with the band performing at the grand opening of the Jenell Center, which was a new sports facility on campus.

But even more changes were ahead. Over the summer, Dr. Overmier abandoned the program when he left with no prior notice in favor of a different position at another school. During this school year, Dr. Scott was relieved as the acting Department Head so that he could run every aspect of the band program. This marked the first time in over three decades that the ASU Band program had only one director. However, the scope of the program was now much greater, and so this was no doubt a much more difficult task than it would’ve been then, including a new ensemble, Basketball Band, which performed at all of ASU’s home basketball games.

Fortunately, help came when Daniel Smithiger was named as the Director of Athletic Bands in the fall semester of 2004. This placed him in charge of the Ram Marching Band as well as the Concert Band and the newly formed Basketball Band. This was welcomed help as Dr. Scott was also officially named as the Head of the Department of Art and Music. It was also in the fall semester of 2004 that the Marching Band donned new blue uniforms with the “Flaming A” logo that is still used today.

Unfortunately, many marching band members found this transition difficult, and so while recruiting started to get on the upswing, retention was still hurting. It wasn’t until Mr. Smithiger’s third and final year that he gained a wholesome respect from his students, as these were students who had been in his band from his start.

In the fall semester of 2006, Dr. Scott officially announced his resignation to take effect in July of 2007. Dr. Scott resigned from this position to take on his Department Head duties full time, which will allow the Art and Music Department at ASU to prosper like never before. Dr. Scott and Mr. Smithiger finished out the remainder of their year before Smithiger went to his next job. At the end of the spring 2007 semester, Dr. Reginald Houze was announced as the new Director of Bands. Dr. Scott helped Dr. Houze make the transition into his new job during the summer before pulling out of the band and focusing on the department full time.

Another event during that summer was the announcement of Professor Daniel McCloud as the new Assistant Director of Bands.

Students returned to school in the fall of 2007 to find that these were only a few of the many changes happening on campus. Angelo State University made the transition from the Texas State System to the Texas Tech System, and they did so under the leadership of a new school President.

But students of the Ram Band couldn’t have been more excited about the program’s future after the first early week under the leadership of Dr. Houze and Professor McCloud. A new spirit and drive took hold of the band during rehearsals, and word was quickly getting out around the community and the area surrounding the Concho Valley that great things were happening with the band program at ASU. During the fall 2007 semester, The Ram Band received numerous compliments from community members, students and directors in the area, including retired Mr. Harris Brinson. Dr. Houze helped the students take the band’s sound to a new height while Professor McCloud arranged and composed several ASU Ram Band exclusive cheers and songs to play while in the stands. The marching band’s half time shows consisted of a song for fans of classical music along with a current Top 40 tune for the dance team, and a song that the alumni in the audience would appreciate. Dr. Houze designed a new Pregame Show that runs nearly twelve minutes and is focused on building traditions at Angelo State University. There was something for everyone, and fans were once again excited about The Ram Band.

Professor McCloud was placed in charge of the Basketball Band, which he renamed to the ASU Pep Band. Participation in this band was lower than expected due to student’s experiences in previous years. Professor McCloud has livened up the group’s repertoire and has worked to ensure that this year’s Pep Band will not only be a great success, but that it will also be great fun for those involved.

As this is the band’s first year under the leadership of Dr. Houze and Professor McCloud, the future of the concert bands remains to be seen. But considering the drive for success and the talent that the two directors posses, as well as what they’ve demonstrated with the turn around of The Ram Band, only the sky can be the limit.

Though at the moment, a number of things remain to be seen about the ASU Band program’s future, one thing should always remain true. We now know where we’ve been, and that the potential of this band is unlimited. It is up to the students to successfully make the transition ahead, and ultimately return to its status as one of the most prestigious bands in Texas. We can do it, and we will do it. Let us never compromise in our quest for greatness. The Ram Band began with only 29 members and has since birthed a full music department. May we ever remain, as we always have been, the spirit of Angelo State University.

(Above: The ASU Ram during the 2007 football season.)

Directors of the ASU Band