Disclaimer: The following was transcribed from an article in the Capper Foundation Archives. The choice of words used at the time this was written may not reflect current Capper Foundation inclusive language and views.

Emporia State Band (1961)

Three busloads of Emporia musicians on their way to Atchison paused in Topeka Saturday on a mission of kindness. Bandsmen at Emporia State Teachers College, en route to a football game at St. Benedict’s College, unloaded for an hour on the lawn of The Capper Foundation for Crippled Children. There, in full black and gold regalia, they serenaded two dozen crippled kids while four drum majorettes cavorted.

Then, during an intermission, they presented the children with gift-wrapped note pads and small rhythm instruments they had made for the purpose. These included maracas made of gourds or cardboard boxes, simple drums, rattles and tambourines.

There was little applause. Many of the children, ranged in wheelchairs or propped on crutches and canes, cannot move their hands easily.

The band was directed by William Nugent, who said most of the players plan to pursue music as a career.