History of the UNO Bands

Prior the founding of the Omaha University "Department of Music" in 1933, the music program existed as a joint community and university organization called called the "Conservatory of Music." The first band at Omaha University was organized by Henry Wendland who was hired by the institution for the purpose of establishing a band program; Wendland was considered to be among the top band leaders in Omaha. That fall there were thirty-five members in the band with oboist Evelyn McDonald serving as the first drum major. They performed at all home football games and traveled to Norfolk, Nebraska where they also paraded down main street and performed a concert in the hotel lobby. They also traveled to Fremont for a game there, but a trip to Maryville in November was canceled because of the weather. The band continued to be active after the football season with Bogdan Schlanta assuming the role of conductor of the band and orchestra.

During that first season, Wendland decided to invite a friend to come to Omaha for a performance at Omaha's Technical High School with his own professional band. Tech also happened to be OU drum major Evelyn McDonald's Alma Mater. During the first half of the October 8, 1928 concert the guest band leader conducted the Omaha Tech band prior to his ensemble's performance. At intermission the guest bandleader asked Ms. McDonald to come up on the stage for a special presentation. When she reached the stage the guest conductor said, "I take great pleasure in presenting you with this baton" that he had used in conducting the Tech band. Evelyn was quoted in the "Gateway" (the OU Student Newspaper) as being "thrilled to death" to receive the baton from America's greatest band leader... John Philip Sousa!

—Dr. James Saker, UNO Director of Bands Emeritus