Biography . . .

At the band reunion, July 4, 1998

Gregg Randall started his love for music early in life. He started playing the clarinet in Dawson, New Mexico, in 1930. His band director influenced him to go to college and study music at Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas.

After graduating with a bachelors degree in music education, Mr. Randall was employed as the band director of Kismet High School in Kansas from 1939-43. In 1943, this fifty-six piece high school band included over half of the total school enrollment.

In the summers of 1941 and 1942, Mr. Randall studied at Northwestern University. He then moved back to Dawson, New Mexico, and was band and choir director until he was inducted into the United States Army in 1945.

After his army division was inactivated, he served with the 76th A.G.F. band in Japan until returning to the United States in 1946. He then resumed teaching in Dawson and continued his studies at Northwestern in the summers of 1947 and 1948, receiving a Masters of Music Education degree.

Mr. Randall and his wife, Fern, and children, Carolyn and Darrel, moved to Hot Springs, directing the band there until 1954. One of his students was Bill King, who later became a band director in Las Cruces and also influenced many students. Many other students became band directors themselves.

Mr. Randall‘s final move was to Las Cruces, where he served as band director of Las Cruces High School until he retired in 1977. His marching bands were well known in New Mexico and across the nation, garnering numerous honors. His bands were recognized as one of the top 50 best bands in the United States, participating in numerous bowl appearances and presenting concerts in many different cities.

Many of the Las Cruces High School Band members also achieved significant individual awards. They became firs chairs and participants in the New Mexcico All State Bands and won awards at music competitions.

In addition, many band members continued their activity in music and perform today. Many others, although putting away their instruments, never put away their appreciation of music and their joy and memories of participating and being part of “the Band that was.”

Mr. Randall was a true inspiration and taught all the band members, and others who observed, the meaning of hard work, pride in achievement, self-discipline, and team work. Their successes later in life were based on Mr. Randall’s efforts. He imparted significan and meaningful leadership skills and was himself a truly significant leader.

from the Program,
A Tribute to Gregg Randall
4 July 1998