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North Dakota State Gold Star Band History

The lineage of the NDSU Gold Star Band can be traced back to 1904 when the late Dr. C.S. Putnam organized a military band to perform for functions of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). The band acquired its "Gold Star" designation from the many superior ratings earned during annual ROTC federal inspections.

William Euren, a protege of "Doc" Putnam, assumed the band directorship in 1948. During his 20-year tenure, he guided the transition from a traditional military band to that of a polished concert ensemble. Euren began the tradition of annual concert tours in the United States and Canada. Roger Sorenson served as director of bands from 1968 to 1970.

Orville M. Eidem was director of bands from 1970 to 1993. During his tenure the band program continued to grow and flourish in all areas, including a new standard of excellence for the jazz program. Upon Eidem's retirement, his assistant, Wayne F. Dorothy, became the director of bands until 1999, when Warren D. Olfert became director of bands.

To learn more about the band's history, click here.