Timeline

Early 1920’s

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

1921

Music Department Formed

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]

1929

Letter from Samuel Arena ’33 to Lee Southall (1984) recalls the band playing outside jobs as important then as “our real income.”

Early 1930’s

Donald Luckenbill scores most of the pieces for the band, included their ‘theme’ ‘I’ll Get By’ (since lost)

1931

Band photo of the ‘Purple and Gold Dance Band’

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

1934

Paul Koehler becomes the band's first documented organizer/leader.

1935

1984 Letter from Warren ‘Waxy’ Johnson ’35 to Lee Southall

1936

Photographed as the Hanselman Orchestra on a trip to Atlantic City (includes Paul Koehler and Donald Luckenbill)

1941-42

Photo of the band at a dance

1948

Pianist and Arranger Dave Heck graduates from the band.

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

1963

Band photographed ahead of the Villanova Jazz Festival; Stan Kenton serves as a judge. The Criterions place 2nd overall. Bob Curnow wins Outstanding Leader and Outstanding Trombonist; Joe Gangemi wins a reed-soloist scholarship; Gary Gauger wins a rhythm-section award

1963

‘Big Band Jazz’ concert program

1963-4

Lee Southall becomes student director. Saxophonist Ernie Watts in the band during this period.

Black and white photo of Loe Southall with music Students

1965

The Criterions win both “Best Big Band” and “Best Overall Band” at the Villanova Jazz Festival (their 3rd year competing) and are invited to the Notre Dame Collegiate Jazz Festival. Following the win, director Jim Sullivan and faculty advisor Dr. James Wright successfully petition to release the band from its contract to play biweekly campus dances; the group's last college dance performance is played in May 1965. The band is briefly renamed the “West Chester State College Lab Band” to reflect its new jazz focus (the “Criterions” name persists in common use).