From the Archives

The Diamond Jubilee Band

Source: TAPS 1964

Most members of the band would agree that 1963-64 was another great year for the MMA musicians. Practicing five times weekly once again, the bandsmen performed creditably for the many Diamond Jubilee functions and did a halftime show with the Fusileers at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. A veteran facultyman lauded their spring concert with the glee club as “best in 18 years.” Stepping smartly as they played for battalion reviews, the 40-plus-member organization several times won honor Company designation for their precision. For most of the year, veteran David Peak served as both commander of the band and drum major.

Five of MMA's musicians—four of them members of the band—won the state's top rating at a music competition at the University of Missouri. In top left photo, from left: George Morrell, trumpet; Major Paul Cherches, MMA music director; Jim Meyers, baritone horn; Fred Mauk, accompanist; Steve Cartmell, tenor; and David Peak, French horn and winner for the fourth consecutive year.

Commander and drum major David Peak

The four winners of the music contest take the stage with their accompanists.

The band at the first convocation passed a reviewing stand loaded with distinguished graduates.