About The Royal Historian of Oz

L. Frank Baum gave himself the title of Royal Historian of Oz when authoring his Oz books. He told the readers that he was merely reporting the history as it was relayed to him by the denizens of Oz. Given the Marching Woodmen's long association with Oz, the name seemed more than appropriate here.

The Sutton Years – Part 1 – 1985-1990

Jon Sutton was the director of the Greenwood Marching Woodmen for 24 years. 24 band seasons. 24 senior classes. 24 years of pushing the Greenwood music program, and his students, to strive for excellance. Mr. Sutton led Greenwood to their first ISSMA state championship. Many more would follow. But as other Greenwood directors have emphasized, [...]

By |2022-10-01T23:40:35-04:00October 1st, 2022|History|1 Comment

The Wizard Returns to Oz

Herman Knoll was the director of the Marching Woodmen at a pivotal time in their history. He began the legacy that the band still celebrates. Read the story on the Herman Knoll years by clicking here. Alumni from the Knoll years were reunited with their director at the 2017 Greenwood Community Band Festival on August [...]

By |2022-07-22T03:41:31-04:00August 27th, 2017|History, News|0 Comments

The Road to the Rainbow | 1956-1973

1956 - Greenwood Director Verne Jacobs The 51 members of the Greenwood Marching Woodmen needed a new director in the spring of 1955. Director Jerry Holeman had resigned after two years. The vacancy was filled by Verne Jacobs. Jacobs had his Masters from the Jordan College of Music and taught privately in [...]

By |2022-07-22T03:41:32-04:00July 15th, 2017|History|4 Comments

Building the Foundation | 1947-1955

1948 - Greenwood Director Wallace Decker Wallace Decker joined the Greenwood faculty as their new band director in 1947. Decker was a bachelor when he accepted the job, but not for long. Wallace was married to Miss Nola Waddell in December. In April 1948, Greenwood was the only band awarded with a Division [...]

By |2022-07-22T03:41:32-04:00June 15th, 2017|History|4 Comments

Changes Large and Small

(CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE) In 1940 the average cost of a new car was $850.00. You could fill the gas tank for $1.54. The average price for a new house was $3,920.00. Greenwood residents wanting a night out could see a movie or a play at the Polk Community House. Or they could opt for [...]

By |2022-07-22T03:41:32-04:00August 22nd, 2016|History|0 Comments

Start at the Beginning

(CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE) Three names were influential in the development of what would become the Greenwood Marching Woodmen. Greenwood residents may recognize the names of Craig and Polk. But, it's not likely you are familiar with the third name—Shadley. No one person can take credit for the success, tradition and legacy of the Greenwood [...]

By |2022-07-22T03:41:32-04:00August 6th, 2016|History|1 Comment

Welcome to History

The Greenwood High School music program began 80 years ago. It has endured tragedies, celebrated triumphs and continues to thrive. As of this writing, the Greenwood Marching Woodmen have 13 ISSMA State Finals wins and the most top-five finishes of any school in the state (37). How did a small class B school develop such [...]

By |2019-09-09T09:50:14-04:00August 1st, 2016|History|3 Comments
Go to Top