The first written mention of a band at East High School in Aurora was in the school’s 1916-17 yearbook, and the first photo was in the book the following year.

The yearbook narrative tells that the band was made up of boys only, and began as a grade school group. It goes on to say that the high school boys’ band would begin practicing in the 1917-18 school year.

When well-known director Ed Nelson arrived at East Aurora in 1961, the tradition of an all-boys band was still in place. Within a year or two of the start of Mr. Nelson’s tenure, the East High band became co-ed.

As the new school year began recently, the band is well past the century mark, and is in its 109th year.

It has progressed in terms of membership, musical skill level, showmanship and in giving the students pride in the

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