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Chapter 12 - Coming Full Circle

Frank Tirro
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Summary

After Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical College held its May, 1951, commencement exercises, James and Exeline walked out of the auditorium knowing that they could relax at home, enjoy the family, and think of how they might travel together and enjoy life in retirement. James hardly had a chance to catch his breath before the college drafted him to direct the band once again. Jonathan Ford resigned the post after the 1951 commencement, having served but two years, and his replacement, Phillip Cooper, only lasted half that long. President Drake cried out to his old friend for help while he tried to mend the tear in the faculty fabric. James would never refuse this good man. He began preparing the college band for the football season, and he readied his concert band for a program in the chapel at Christmas time. The Normal Index reported:

Professor J. H. Wilson Directs Band In First Chapel Concert of School Year

The Alabama A. & M. College band, under the direction of Mr. J. H. Wilson, presented a pre-Christmas concert in the college chapel, Friday, December 12 [1951].

Numbers played were: ….

All numbers on the program were arranged by Mr. Wilson. The band consists of the following musicians: ….

[6 trumpets, 2 horns, 5 trombones, 1 baritone horn, 1 bass, 4 clarinets, 5 saxophones, 5 drums and cymbals, and 1 bell lyre. The total equals 30 players, approximately the number seen in the photo below, Figure 12-1.]

Ford's replacement, Phillip Cooper, must have performed his duties unsatisfactorily, for in an undated letter from Wilson to his daughter, Marian Turner, James explained:

Dear Bunks;

Just a line to enclose this program on which I played Friday night. I was encored.

The band goes to Oakwood Saturday evening. I think we have our hands on a man for next year. They have done well this year. I practically had to make this band….

I am doing well. I think my health is much better. I am getting my latest march in shape for publication. A white man in Nashville promised to see what can be done about it. I'll let you know how I come out. Wish me luck. Kiss Angel Pie [granddaughter Marian Elizabeth] and give my love to John [husband John Turner].

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With Trumpet and Bible
The Illustrated Life of James Hembray Wilson
 , pp. 257 - 283
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer
Print publication year: 2015

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