The Repasz Band's later signature march
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Early Arts Education & Stint in Minstrel Show Band
A New York reporter who interviewed O'Hare in 1925 wrote about his early music education and minstrel band experience:
Mr. O'Hare was born in Washington. There he studied the fundamentals of music, but he adds that he got much of his training 'in the best conservatory in the world, experience.' He studied casually the other arts--sculpture for proportion, painting for color--for he is a strong believer in the close relationship between the arts. |
The reporter then lets O'Hare tell part of his own story involving what is acclaimed to be the oldest non-military band in continuous existence:
I remember one day in Williamsport, Pa., when the cymbals player was taken ill. I was told to abandon the alto horn and play the cymbals in the big parade. I had never played them before, but I didn't think them much of a trick.
But just before we started out, the leader of the band came to me and put his hand on my shoulder. 'O'Hare,' he said, 'this is Williamsport, the home of the Repasz band. The best cymbals player in the world lives here. A great deal depends upon you today.'
I think that parade must have lasted a week, as I look back on it. I was frightened out of my painted boots. I thought that every man who stood on the curb watching us as we marched was that great cymbals player. But I must have got through it somehow, for we got out of town without being mobbed for inferior cymbals playing.
When I contacted the Repasz band in 1998, the band historian, Earl Williams, sent several articles about the band's history. Although a 60-year member of the band, Williams said that he'd never heard anything about this famous cymbals player and added that he could find no record of him. If the minstrel band leader was playing a trick on a gullible young O'Hare, it was no more than the experienced O'Hare would later dish out to a young New York City trap drummer.
Other Early Events & Activities
1878
"The twelfth annual distribution of premiums of the Immaculate Conception male school took place last Friday afternoon. . . . " A list of recipients follows, including William O'Hare and younger brother George. The article closes with the mention of awarding an elocution prize. The nature of the "premiums" received by the O'Hare boys isn't specified.
Click here for photos of Immaculate Conception. Then click on "History" for information about the church or school.
"The twelfth annual distribution of premiums of the Immaculate Conception male school took place last Friday afternoon. . . . " A list of recipients follows, including William O'Hare and younger brother George. The article closes with the mention of awarding an elocution prize. The nature of the "premiums" received by the O'Hare boys isn't specified.
Click here for photos of Immaculate Conception. Then click on "History" for information about the church or school.
1884
In mid-May, shortly after O'Hare's seventeenth birthday, the following item appeared in the Washington Post, indicating that he was probably on his way to a business career: "Handsome engraved invitations have been issued for the eighth annual graduating exercises of the Spencerian Business college, which will take place at Lincoln hall next Thursday evening." Listed among graduates classified as "Gentlemen, day class" is William Christopher O'Hare.
The Evening Star provides a good description of the Spencerian Business College, which also had schools in such cities as Philadelphia, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Louisville, and Chicago:
In mid-May, shortly after O'Hare's seventeenth birthday, the following item appeared in the Washington Post, indicating that he was probably on his way to a business career: "Handsome engraved invitations have been issued for the eighth annual graduating exercises of the Spencerian Business college, which will take place at Lincoln hall next Thursday evening." Listed among graduates classified as "Gentlemen, day class" is William Christopher O'Hare.
The Evening Star provides a good description of the Spencerian Business College, which also had schools in such cities as Philadelphia, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Louisville, and Chicago:
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1885
A Washington, D.C. newspaper announced, "The Ivanhoe Literary and Dramatic Club has elected the following members: L. Raymond Peak, Samuel R. Cove, Clarence C. Waters, Ira R. Stewart, W. C. O'Hare, F. P. Williams, Miss Ida Baltzoll, and Miss Mamie Little." Before long, an article appeared revealing O'Hare's musical role in the club. |
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An Evolving Career
During his final years in Washington, D.C., O'Hare was moving from place to place, balancing his recent business education with his music and teaching interests.
Washington City Directory, 1885
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Was W. C. O'Hare's business school education intended to enable him to enter and eventually take over the O'Hare family store? Following his graduation, Boyd's Directory indicates that he was working as a clerk, perhaps in the family business.
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Washington Newspaper, 1885
According to the January 25 issue of the Evening Star, the still 17-year-old O'Hare was also attempting to earn money by teaching music. The advertisement indicates he considered himself competent in piano and organ.
Washington City Directory, 1886
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The 1886 directory reveals that he had changed from clerk to stenographer.
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Washington Newspaper, June 1886
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O'Hare continued advertising for music students.
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By 20, O'Hare must have left the business world behind. In the last two city directories before his move to Shreveport, he appears as "teacher" or "music teacher."
Washington City Directory, 1887
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Washington City Directory, 1888
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Washington Newspapers, 1888
By his final months in Washington, O'Hare had expanded his music lessons to include violin.
Shortly after the above advertisement appeared, a brief article revealed that O'Hare had also formed his own band, playing at a school one of his younger brothers still attended and from which W. C. O'Hare had graduated.
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Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Washington, D.C.; photo by AgnosticPreachersKid at English Wikipedia, Creative Commons License
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Whatever his worries as a first-time cymbals player during his visit to Williamsport, O'Hare was not only expanding his skills, but also gaining confidence. Although the young minstrel show alto horn player's initial self-assurance vanished when his bandmaster emphasized the temporary assignment's importance, the young O'Hare would have learned much on tour. Similarly, he would have learned much in business school, as a music teacher, and as a small band leader to help prepare him for a major career move.
Little could he imagine that the Repasz Band would eventually play some of his work. Exactly how much isn't known. However, the August 27, 1904 Williamsport Daily Gazette and Bulletin contains a Repasz Band concert program that includes his medley overture The Leader (Witmark, 1904). Just how many other small town and prominent musicians would one day play his music, he also couldn't know. But he clearly had dreams, a sense of adventure, and considerable nerve when he said good bye to his home town and the people around him to become the 21-year-old music leader of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Little could he imagine that the Repasz Band would eventually play some of his work. Exactly how much isn't known. However, the August 27, 1904 Williamsport Daily Gazette and Bulletin contains a Repasz Band concert program that includes his medley overture The Leader (Witmark, 1904). Just how many other small town and prominent musicians would one day play his music, he also couldn't know. But he clearly had dreams, a sense of adventure, and considerable nerve when he said good bye to his home town and the people around him to become the 21-year-old music leader of Shreveport, Louisiana.
Background graphic, top of page: from c. 1886 Repasz Band photo on band website, two years before O'Hare's move to Shreveport at age 21.