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The
Legacy of Mayo Savold "It was part of his music philosophy—if you can't sing, you can't play a musical instrument," says Stephen "Gabe" Gabrielsen ’63, professor of music at Augsburg who was a student of Savold's and also taught with him. Audiences weren't surprised during concerts when band members belted out a song, using their vocal cords rather than instruments. Mayo Savold's group became widely known as "the singing band." Besides turning band members into vocalists, Savold made numerous other contributions in the field of music, helping establish the instrumental department at Augsburg. Teaching and conducting led Savold to innovations in training and placement of instruments in concert setting—ideas that became widely known for improving the clarity and unity of sound. Savold was born in Maddock, N.Dak., in 1915, and by 1937 he was ready for college life at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Savold majored in history and music; he directed numerous choir and bands while in college, a small preview of what was to come.
After military service, Savold taught and directed music in a safer work environment at Glenwood High School. His success with the band and choir there led to his recruitment by Augsburg College in 1952 to do the same here. During his first year at Augsburg, Savold developed the band from 28 members to a 55-piece organization that became recognized nationally as one of the best. Especially noted by audiences was the precise, professional quality of playing—something quite unique for a college band of that time. Savold also served as associate professor of music and director of the Augsburg Repertoire Band. Robert Stacke ’71, current band director and chair of the Augsburg music department, was a student of Savold's in the late ’60s and never envisioned that he would follow in his footsteps. "I highly respected him," Stacke says. "He really did so much for this college. He motivated us and let us come to the foreground when we had something to offer." Savold was careful not to
let his group production be mass production. His desire was that playing in
the Augsburg College Band should inspire the greatest possible individual participation,
self-discipline, and self-expression. Stressing that individuals believe in
their abilities and take leadership roles allowed Stacke to start the jazz program
while still a college student. Savold was also known for his famous band tours throughout the Upper Midwest and west. One "exotic" trip came in 1960 when the Augsburg College Band was chosen as the official band of the Alaskan Music Festival. After a summer tour throughout Canada and Alaska, the band presented the opening concert celebrating the first year of Alaskan statehood. This band was also the first college band to travel by bus over the Alaskan Highway. Another famous tour was the John F. Kennedy memorial tour in 1964, to the late president who was a strong supporter of the arts. Mayo Savold later had the honor of presenting a recording from that tour to attorney general Robert F. Kennedy. Savold retired in 1977 after 25 years of service at Augsburg and died in 1983 after a lengthy illness. On October 13, during Homecoming and Family Week 2001, jazz and concert band members from the last 40 years are invited to gather at a reunion and concert in tribute to Mayo Savold. Bring instruments for a program of continental breakfast, rehearsal, and a concert to be presented at 11 a.m. in Hoversten Chapel. For additional information, see the Homecoming brochure or call the alumni/parent relations office at 612-330-1178 or 1-800-260-6590. —Amy Funk ’03 is a junior majoring in English.
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