Gary Kaltenbach shares the history of Fremont Ross Marching Little Giants' in new book
FREMONT — At the June 18 Fremont Farmers Market, a steady stream of people stopped by to inquire about Gary Kaltenbach’s new book, “The ‘Unofficial’ History of the Fremont Ross Marching Little Giants.” Many of them were among the hundreds of musicians who were once a part of the high school's marching band, which began over 100 years ago. For the past 37 years, Kaltenbach has served as Ross High School’s beloved and passionate volunteer band announcer.
Kaltenbach was a fairly new Spanish teacher at Ross when the band director asked him if he would replace the band’s announcer who was moving away.
“I had done some announcing. I was sort of a DJ in college, and I had a good time with it,” Kaltenbach said. “I said I would try it for a year. That was 1985, and I’m still doing it. I’ve had so much fun.”
Author professes he has no musical training
Kaltenbach doesn’t read music and never moved musically beyond playing the mandatory song flute in sixth grade, and yet he is an integral part of the marching band.
“The kids consider me part of the band,” he said. “The directors have been supportive, and the parents have been supportive.”
In his book, Kaltenbach walks through the history of the Marching Little Giants chronologically, beginning in 1917, when Ross first began producing yearbooks. He gives overviews of the different decades, shares dozens of old photos, and records some of the many changes that have evolved in the band’s century of existence. He said the earliest bands were only open to men, and two years ago, a girl, Midori Ayre, was placed in charge of the percussion group for the first time in the band’s history.
Kaltenbach, who also became Ross football announcer 10 years ago, personally witnessed many changes in his 37 years with the band.
“When I first got started, we played mostly marches and traditional band music,” he said. “Nowadays, we’ve done a Michael Jackson show and a Bruno Mars show. We’ve done a Queen show, which was fun, and a Beach Boys show.”
Kaltenbach’s book includes band director biographies and information on drum majors and majorettes, pep bands and flag corps. Kaltenbach concludes the book with his own personal memories, including memorable moments away from Ross.
Kaltenbach twice did announcing at OSU skull session
Kaltenbach announced in OSU’s St. John’s Arena twice when the band played at skull sessions, where he shared a press box with famous Cleveland weatherman Dick Goddard.
“Talk about nervous! I’m not used to 13,000 people, but they were so nice to our kids,” he said.
Some of Kaltenbach’s dearest memories were made with the band’s percussionists, who regularly plan additional practices on their own.
“I love to sit and listen to them and watch them meld into a unit,” he said. “They accept me there, although I may or may not stop at Cookie Lady and get cookies for them.”
Kaltenbach and his wife, Bette, are 1961 Ross graduates. Writing a book about his alma mater’s band was a labor of love. The book has been well-received and is on its second printing.
Author's wife aided in chasing down people for the book
“It was a lot of work hunting down people,” he said. “Bette is a trustee at (Rutherford B.) Hayes (Presidential Library and Museums), so that helped.”
Throughout his 37 years as band announcer, Kaltenbach made countless friends, and now the book is helping him to reconnect with many of them.
“I’ve met so many great kids who were totally devoted to band. They give their heart to it,” he said. “They’re always so respectful to this old man.”
“The ‘Unofficial’ History of the Fremont Ross Marching Little Giants” can be purchased at Chud’s Market, The Strand Theater, The Open House and ProMedica Memorial Hospital gift shop.
Contact correspondent Sheri Trusty at sheritrusty4@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Gary Kaltenbach's book recalls Fremont Ross HS marching band history
