The Austin High School Girls’ Band of Chicago, Illinois: 1925–1956

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the history of the Austin High School (AHS) Girls’ Band (AHSGB) of Chicago, Illinois, which existed from 1925 to 1956. This research focused on the band’s (a) organization and leadership, (b) activities within the school and community, (c) relationship to the AHS Boys Band, and (d) efforts to challenge and support traditional gender roles of the early and mid-twentieth century. I also considered how the history of this group might provide historical context to lingering attitudes regarding female band musicians and conductors today. H. E. Nutt organized the AHSGB in fall 1925 at the request of female students and school administration. The ensemble operated similarly to the boys’ band in that it functioned on a military basis, performed as both a concert and marching unit, and competed among the boys at city band and solo contests. The AHSGB gradually moved away from the all-military approach beginning in the early 1940s and eventually assumed a more feminine image that aligned with society’s efforts to restore traditional gender roles following World War II. The AHSGB combined with the boys in the fall of 1956, which resulted in a steep decline in female participation.