American Fork H.S. Bands
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The First Marching Band of American Fork High School  
by Daniel K Adams, son of Gwen Richan, first Drum Major 
Kenneth James Bird, known as K. J. Bird, came to American Fork in 1923 and taught music at  the American Fork High School. He taught all music classes, Orchestra, Band and Vocal. Mr.  Bird was successful to not only teach the technicalities but also the beauty and inspiration of  music to young people. In 1935 he organized the first marching band of American Fork High  School. Mr. Bird purchased uniforms and he asked one of his Senior Orchestra students, Gwen  Richan to be the first Drum Major. Gwen played the violin in the Orchestra and played the piano  in the Glee Club. The first band had about 45 members and they began marching in parades in  Utah. The first uniforms were all white with white shoes and a red cap and cape. This is a  picture of the 1936 Marching Band in the American Fork Poultry Day Parade (forerunner of  Steel Days Parade) Notice the dirt road on main street. 
Picture
Pictured below is the 1937 Marching Band​
Picture
Gwen Richan was the Drum Major for three years. She graduated in 1935 and continued as the  Drum Major in 1936 and 1937. This is a picture of K.J. Bird and Gwen Richan in 1937. ​
Picture
  • Home
  • Performance Groups
    • Marching Band
    • Concert Bands Main Page >
      • Concert Band (B1)
      • Symphonic Band (A1)
      • Wind Symphony (B2)
    • Jazz Bands
    • Percussion
  • Student Resources
    • Student Resources
    • Band Council
  • Calendar
  • Fundraising & Sponsors
    • Sponsors
    • Fundraising
  • Staff
    • ​Orien Landis
    • Dana Slabaugh
    • Lance Major
    • Jessica Slabaugh
    • Bix Hollenbach
    • Michele Alger
    • Jaycee Wilson
  • Volunteers
    • Background Check Info
    • Band Moms
    • Band Dads
    • Booster Board
    • By-Laws
    • Board Meeting Minutes
  • Charms
  • History
    • The Early Years (1923-1937)
    • Heather Christensen
    • Alumni
    • 2021-2022
    • 2020-2021 >
      • Marching Band - Starry, Starry Night
    • 2019-2020 >
      • Marching Band - The White Queen
    • 2018 - 2019 >
      • Marching Band - Another Viewpoint
      • Grand Nationals 2018
      • Concert Band
      • Jazz Band
    • 2017 - 2018 >
      • Marching Band - Dimensionality
    • 2016 Beyond Limits
    • 2015 Red Sky
    • 2014 Bad Hair Day >
      • Macy's Parade 2014
    • 2013 Fury >
      • 2012-13
      • Band Camp Pics 2013
    • AFHS Band 2012 >
      • Rose Parade 2012
      • 2011-12
    • AFHS Band 2011
    • 2010-11
    • Links
  • AF Bands Store
  • Photos
  • Color Guard
    • Cadet Guard
    • Junior Guard
    • Summer Guard
  • Donate