History

"In the fall of 1951 began what has now become the oldest known band tradition in the state of Missouri. Through the efforts of Mr. Frank Fendorf, local businessman Harold Linton of Linton Music Company, and area band directors, the North Central Missouri Bandmasters Association was formed and organized. Over the years, the association has attracted outstanding conductors and soloists. During the first nineteen years of the NCMBA, an annual summer camp was held. A three day camp was held in Pershing State Park for members of the association and other invited directors from the state. Guest clinicians would present informative talks dealing with music education. The camp was also used to read new music and to look at instructional materials. It was discontinued in 1969 upon the formation of the Missouri Bandmasters Association.  the Missouri Bandmasters Association has since gone on to become one of the leading state band organizations in the country. 

The Linton Music Company generously supported this organization for many, many years for which the members are truly grateful. There have been just three executive secretaries for the NCMBA in fifty years. Following Mr. Fendorf's tenure from 1951 until 1964, Mr. C. William "Bill" Maupin faithful served as organizing secretary for thirty-one years. Thanks must go to the many area band directors  who served as officers for the association. The NCMBA would also like to express its deep appreciation to the Chillicothe Board and School Administration for furnishing the facilities each of the fifty years. 

The original schools and their respective directors who took part in 1951 included:

Bethany (South Harrison) - Robert Bruner

Brookfield - C.J. Hoester

Chillicothe - Frank Fendorf

Excelsior Springs - James Dickson

Gallatin - Ralph Sullivan

Galt (Grundy County) - Kenneth Crawford

Hamilton (Penney) - Keith House

Jamesport (Tri-County) - Samuel Birk

King City - Dean Wright

Marceline - E. W. Davidson

Maysville - Thomas J. Price

Northwestern - Will Richeson

Pattonsburg - Mildred Smith

Princeton - Elford Horn

Stanberry - Howard Vaughan

Trenton - William Schrader

Three schools have had continuous membership for fifty years: Chillicothe, Gallatin, and Trenton.

The North Central Missouri Bandmasters Association has been a positive and enduring influence for thousands of students over the years. It remains a tradition that should and will continue to be supported well into the twenty-first century."