Timeline

Early 1920’s

West Chester State Teacher’s College passes a law which approves co-ed, social dancing.

1927

The Criterions starts as a ballroom dance band in the ‘roaring ‘20’s’ with Larry Gintner organizing. Felt the sound of the band was so good they called themselves “The Criterions”

Johnnie Smith’s Orchestra photographed for the yearbook. Probable previous inspiration for The Criterions.

The SERPENTINE-'JOHNNIE' SMITH'S ORCHESTRA HIS is one of the most outstanding organizations, not only on the campus but through- out the entire state as well. In fact our school can boast of having the best Dance Orchestra of any college in the East. Favorable criticisms to back this statement were given to 'Johnnie' by some of the foremost dance-kings in the country, such as Paul Specht, Vincent Lopez, and Roger Wolfe Kahn. The success of this Orchestra is largely due to its leader, for 'Johnnie' is a very capable young man, and has an excellent musical background, a fine personality, and a very good conception of business. We are anxious to know who will take charge of the school Dance Orchestra next year, for we as Seniors take a great deal of pride in its affairs. Whoever it be, we wish you success. THE PERSONNEL OF THE ORCHESTRA 'JOHNNIE' SMITH, Violinist and Leader MAURICE FOULKE, Violin 'NATE' WAGNER, Tenor Banjo LEON BERNSTEIN, Reeds KENTON TERRY, Reeds REESE ONIMUS, Reeds 'LES' GARMAN, Piano 'CHARLIE RASBRIDGE, Percussion 'Russ' SHUTTLESWORTH, Trumpet 'CHARLIE' KENNARD, Trumpet 'JOE' HANSELMAN, Trombone 'CHARLIE' WEIDNER, Sousaphone 'AM' EVANS, Tenor Soloist [158]

1932

WPG Atlantic City Broadcasts The Criterions Live from Atlantic City’s Convention Hall

141N ATLANTIC CITY AUDITORIUM AND CONVENTION HALL, BY NIGHT, ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - LARGEST CONVENTION HALL IN THE WORLD SEATING CAPACITY 40.000. BALL ROOM 5.000

1960

Bob Curnow becomes student director

"My time as the director of the Criterions totally prepared me for my life’s work in music. I arrived on campus in the Fall, 1959 and was fortunate enough to join the Criterions at that time. The student director graduated in January 1960, and I was selected as the new student director. The band was always directed by students until much later. The 3 ½ years with the Criterions was an amazing time for me. I wrote a lot of original music for the band, some good, some not so good. I also transcribed a lot of music from records for us to play. It was during this time that the band was gradually changing from a dance band to a jazz ensemble. However, we continued to perform at all 29 (I think) on-campus dances/gigs on a contract with the student government and the college. We earned $90 a semester. What an education that was! Not only was I getting a top-notch education from the outstanding music faculty, but an education in leading a band, preparing for all those gigs and concerts, and dealing with band personnel. Without the band serving as my “lab band,” I know I never could have been successful as a composer/arranger. I think of those guys and that time very often. I will always be grateful for that experience and my time at West Chester." - Bob Curnow