Dan Tontz, 1960
When I started at East High, I was so happy to be in the Bill Strout Band. We were rocking, but it was not Rock ‘n Roll. We played lots big band dance music from the ‘30s & ‘40s. It was our parents’ music. But it was a start.
Art Casado and Kay Ellen Consolver in “The Boyfriend”
We had a lot of fun playing school events like the school play “The Boy Friend” and at pep assemblies. Bill was a great salesman to get us paying jobs (gigs). We played all over Wichita at hotel ballrooms, country clubs, the Cotillion ballroom, etc. We played them all.
As we improved our sound and got more jobs, the band got bigger. We ultimately were a big band of 4 saxes, 3 trumpets, 3 trombones, piano, bass & drums. Various members went on to have highly successful careers later in music. This included from the class of ’60 Jack Graham, clarinetist, and David Gale, premier trumpeter.
Jack Graham, 1960 David Gale, 1960
The Dance Band Business
After my junior year at East High, Bill Strout and many of the band members graduated and moved on to college or to a job. So I formed my own band called the “Dan Tontz Combo.” (We saved our creativity for the music instead of band names.)
Our instrumentation was piano, bass, drums and tenor sax. I could add an electric guitar if the client wanted some rock ‘n roll. From our class of ’60, there was Bill Millis on drums and later Rich Brown on drums.
From left to right: Norman Linschied, Southeast, on piano; Chuck Grauel, Southeast, stand-up bass; Dan Tontz, clarinet; Don Marler, North High, on drums.
I had business cards printed up. Also I used legally binding signed contracts. I got stung one time when I did not have a signed contract.
As the band leader, I was responsible for getting paying gigs, hiring musicians, not hiring certain musicians, and paying the musicians. I kept cash on me and paid the guys immediately after the job ended. I was told that my reputation was that, “He pays quickly and he won’t cheat you.”
On the bandstand, I decided what songs to play and the sequence.
My Dance Band Memories
- Used a girl singer once. The band members got excited and sped up the beat. Only used her once.
- Got lots of jobs and money for December dances; same for graduation dances in April and May
- Sunday afternoon tea dances at country clubs. Rare to have a gig on Sunday
- Forced to play with a piano that was out of tune. We sounded horrible.
- Being offered some pot to smoke by an old adult musician
- Playing a school dance in Udall, Kansas, just a few years after the tornado hit there
- Playing at the East High Hangar after a football game
- Playing in old rundown dives on North Broadway
- Playing in smoky bars on South Seneca. We kept our eyes closed to avoid the smoke!
- 2:00 a.m. bowling with the guys after a dance
Playing in the Band Was Always A Hobby For Me—Not a Career
After high school, I continued the band during my freshman year at Wichita State University. After that I moved on to college activities such as academic studies, fraternity parties, social life, school clubs, etc.
I was so fortunate to be part of the Wichita musical scene during 1956-61. I have cherished those memories throughout my life.
Through the years at Christmas time, our family events included playing Christmas music, my mother on organ and vocals, my sister on viola, me on sax and clarinet, and my Dad on vocals and humming.
Before I retired, I was a Human Resource manager with a Federal Government agency. For the annual office Christmas party, I usually organized an office band to play at the event.
I never forgot the music. I still like to hear big bands of the 30’s and 40’s. I tap my foot and whistle along. I still play my sax about once a year just to show myself that I have not forgotten how to play. Matter of fact, it is time for me to play again!!
