This silent film shows some of the work of University of Arizona band director Jack Lee, who was an innovator in the choreography of marching bands at football games. This film shows a halftime show likely from the 1950s, with the band making a variety of formations on the football field before finally spelling out “U A” at the finale.

Jack K. Lee was born in Akron, Ohio, attended Kent State University and graduated from Ohio State University. He served in the army during World War II before getting his master’s degree at Ohio State, where he was employed as assistant band director.

While flying home from a job interview for marching band director at the UA, Lee wrote “Bear Down Arizona.” He was offered the position and served from 1952 until 1980 and the fight song was the first march he composed. He went on to write 80 works for marching band, orchestra, choir and concert band. He also conducted the concert and symphonic bands while at the UA.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com