Alumni Fine Arts

Past Alumni Band News:
The 2007 Pops Concert held on Saturday, April 28th featured two special guest conductors, Miss Lelia (Foote) Rodabaugh and Mr. David Hepburn. Both former band directors traveled back from their homes in Kansas and in Arizona to once again have the opportunity to conduct the band at Minnehaha Academy. Many alumni returned to play under the direction of their former teachers and to reminisce over their experiences in the band. It was a special night for everyone there! Before conducting, When You Wish Upon A Star, Mr. Hepburn was given a warm introduction by his daughter, Lois (Hepburn) Magnuson ‘80. He then led the band through the beautiful and meaningful piece. Bob Anderson ’65 touched on some of Miss Foote’s accomplishments when he introduced her before she conducted her signature piece, Colonel Boogey.

Alumni who participated in the band include: Bob Anderson ’65, Paul Anderson ’72, Phil Anderson ’67, Diane (Nelson) Bury ’65, Mary Danielson ’66, Sara Dwight ’06, Tim Dwight ’04, Sharon (Anderson) Engman ’62, Margaret (Lowe) Jones ’61, Todd Krause ’76, John Lamprecht ’79, Reid Larson ’05, Ashley Loomis ’06, Lois (Hepburn) Magnuson ’80, Paul Olson ’58, David Seiffert ’05, Mark Smith ’77, Karen (Aust) Tinsley ’63, Steve Wilson ’61, Chris Wolter ’76, Dawn Zimmerman ’63.

"On Saturday, April 28th Minnehaha Academy filled the halls with fantasy and music. A special moment in the evening came when Miss Lelia Foote stood before the band which included many of her former students and conducted Colonel Boogey, her trademark piece. This upbeat number is a crowd pleaser and when the band stood up for the finish, the audience began clapping to the beat. The moment should have lasted longer as the band was crisp, lively and sharp. A stunning performance! One could feel the momentum of the evening quickly changing from listening to joining in; something that Miss Foote is know for…" – written by a proud alumni band member.

President Wilber Westerdahl congratulated Lelia Foote when her band was invited by the Queen of the Lakes to represent Minneapolis at the Seattle World's Fair in 1962.

Photos from the 2005 Pops Concert are below:

We have captured a few of the evening's memories in the Alumni Photo Album. Be sure to browse thru other album photos after you enjoy reliving the 2005 Pops Concert.