Aycock Alumni Community Association Inc.
Rockdale, Texas
Rockdale, Texas
Aycock band kept the beat from 1952-66
Rockdale Reporter - March 3, 2011
By SUSIE SANSOM-PIPER
Reporter contributor
Editor’s note: The fourth edition of Susie Sansom Piper’s Black History Month series “On The Other Side of the Tracks” looks back to music and entertainment.
Another source of great entertainment for the community was the Aycock Tiger Band.
This band became a reality in 1952. Actually it all began in 1951 when the pep squad marched to the beat of a big bass drum and a snare drum.
The first band instructor was Jerry L. Givens who came on a part-time basis two or three times a week and taught instrumentation to some of the students.
FIRST DIRECTOR - In 1952, Theaul Howard was hired as the first band instructor. He performed miracles with a group of fifth through 11th-grade students, transforming about 40 students into marching and concert bands within a four-month period.
Many of these students could barely carry their instruments, but through the insistence of their band instructor, they competed in the state contest at Prairie View A& M and earned a Division I (Superior) rating in Class A band.
Their first uniforms consisted of blue jeans and a white shirt. The majorette uniforms were designed and made by Bessie Beals, a local seamstress.
Most of the instruments were rented from the J. R. Reed Music Company for few were able to qualify for ownership.
By 1954, through an organized Band Boosters Club and the Parent Teacher Association, special Milam, Lee, Burleson and Williamson counties.
From this band, some of the members were selected to play in Aycock’s Stage Band.
TRAVELING BAND - They not only entertained in the community, but became famous for establishing a traveling show and presenting it to surrounding schools and communities.
This group had special vocal groups and a dancing ensemble.
Their travels were throughout Milam, Lee, Burleson and Williamson counties.
Through these performances, they were able to purchase needed music and other items for the band.
After the resignation of Theaul Howard, “Rebeat” Robinson followed for a short time.
He was succeeded by Benjamin Timmons and Clarence Moore.
The band ceased because of integration in 1966 and band members were transferred to the Rockdale High School Band.
Susie Sansom-Piper
Rockdale Reporter - March 3, 2011
By SUSIE SANSOM-PIPER
Reporter contributor
Editor’s note: The fourth edition of Susie Sansom Piper’s Black History Month series “On The Other Side of the Tracks” looks back to music and entertainment.
Another source of great entertainment for the community was the Aycock Tiger Band.
This band became a reality in 1952. Actually it all began in 1951 when the pep squad marched to the beat of a big bass drum and a snare drum.
The first band instructor was Jerry L. Givens who came on a part-time basis two or three times a week and taught instrumentation to some of the students.
FIRST DIRECTOR - In 1952, Theaul Howard was hired as the first band instructor. He performed miracles with a group of fifth through 11th-grade students, transforming about 40 students into marching and concert bands within a four-month period.
Many of these students could barely carry their instruments, but through the insistence of their band instructor, they competed in the state contest at Prairie View A& M and earned a Division I (Superior) rating in Class A band.
Their first uniforms consisted of blue jeans and a white shirt. The majorette uniforms were designed and made by Bessie Beals, a local seamstress.
Most of the instruments were rented from the J. R. Reed Music Company for few were able to qualify for ownership.
By 1954, through an organized Band Boosters Club and the Parent Teacher Association, special Milam, Lee, Burleson and Williamson counties.
From this band, some of the members were selected to play in Aycock’s Stage Band.
TRAVELING BAND - They not only entertained in the community, but became famous for establishing a traveling show and presenting it to surrounding schools and communities.
This group had special vocal groups and a dancing ensemble.
Their travels were throughout Milam, Lee, Burleson and Williamson counties.
Through these performances, they were able to purchase needed music and other items for the band.
After the resignation of Theaul Howard, “Rebeat” Robinson followed for a short time.
He was succeeded by Benjamin Timmons and Clarence Moore.
The band ceased because of integration in 1966 and band members were transferred to the Rockdale High School Band.
Susie Sansom-Piper
Historic photo shows band at attention in front of the
old Aycock High School band building.
old Aycock High School band building.
.