These photos show not only the Iowa State Bands, but also the whole Music Department faculty, classes, and students during this adjustment period (1967-1968 through 1971-1972). This was the era that Iowa State made a great transformation to become a University that could offer a Music Degree. "Just like the University of Iowa?"
Lawrence Burkhalter was the head of the ISU Music Department starting in 1966, as well as the director of the ISU Orchestra. He came from the faculty of Ohio State University where he was also served as principal violist of the Columbus Symphony.
Music at ISU
"Music occupies a place of singular importance at Iowa State University. There are more than a dozen performing ensembles directly under the supervision of the Department of Music. Each year, these groups attract a total of over 1,500 students who gain the satisfaction of first-hand involvement with music. For students whose interest in music is sustained chiefly through listening, opportunities are afforded to hear the finest artists of the national and international concert stage on the University's Artist Concert Series.
Opportunity is provided for students to obtain a major in music at Iowa State University. Students completing this degree program are eligible for certification to teach music in the public schools or to undertake graduate study in various facets of music, depending on the options elected. Students wishing to expand their skill and understanding of music without the extensive specialization required for the major have the opportunity for such study as a part of their liberal education in many of the curricula at Iowa State University. A minor in music is available to students in the College of Science and Humanities."
- Dr. Burkhalter
Arthur Swift came from Louisiana to ISU in the fall of 1967 to be interim director of concert bands for a year, as well as the only applied brass faculty. Mr. Gary Boehm, the woodwind faculty member who had been assistant director of bands under Frank Piersol, took over the marching band for this transition year. He was very gentlemanly tactful and helped bridge the feelings of the upperclassmen who sorely missed the priceless Uncle Frank. It also helped that Uncle Frank's #2 man, Gary Boehm, was held over to do the marching band job. Dr. Swift later served as chair of the Music Department from 1972 until 1992.