(KWNO)-Harold “Hal” Edstrom left an indelible mark on music in Winona. And now, when generations of young musicians step onto the stage for the first time, they will do so in an auditorium that bears his name.
Later this month, the Winona Middle School auditorium will be dedicated and renamed the Hal Edstrom Auditorium, a fitting way to remember the first band director at Winona Senior High School and one of the most influential musicians in a town that loves its music.
“For the Love of Music: Swing and Sway the Edstrom Way” will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 and will feature alumni performers, the WSHS Band, Choir and Orchestra, and will serve as a tribute to the contributions and legacy of Edstrom on music at Winona Area Public Schools.
Edstrom was the first director of the Winona High band, serving in his post from 1937-1947. After stepping down as band director, Hal Edstrom teamed up with his brother Everett “Leonard” Edstrom and friend Roger Busdicker to form a sheet music publishing company. The Hal Leonard Corporation went on to become the world’s largest publisher of sheet music.
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