Oriental Band Is One Of Al Bedoo's Oldest Uniformed Bodies
by William J. Speare
The forerunner of the present Oriental Band made its first appearance in Sheridan, Wyoming in the year 1926. The Band who supplied the initial impetus to forming this group was Noble Dennis O'Brien who was the director of the Al Bedoo Shrine band at that time. Most of the original members were a part of the Shrine Band and they necessarily performed in duo capacities.
Thereafter, Noble Dick Hall was appointed Captain of the Oriental Band and the group appeared in Seattle in 1930 with about 32 members. In 1926 there were only three Temples which had an Oriental Band and Al Bedoo was one of them. In 1928, Dick Hall was one of four representatives attending an Oriental Band meeting in Chicago. The depression years caught up with this Oriental Band and it was disbanded in 1934 and 1935.
William Bunney was Potentate of Al Bedoo Temple in 1937 and 1938. He approached S.L. Braida with the request that an Oriental Band be organized. At the time Dennis O'Brien was still director of the Al Bedoo Shrine Band and S.L. Braida was a member of the band. It was the Potentate's desire that a completely separate and performing unit be established to take part in ceremonials and become a part of the uniform bodies. Syl Braida accepted this assignment with the understanding that he would still belong to the band and eventually return to that organization.
There were approximately 20 members in the original group forming the Oriental Band. It is interesting to note that out of those 20, four of the members went on to become Potentates of Al Bedoo Temple. From this nucleus the unit grew. The uniforms were obtained and those uniforms were made up in Billings Montana. They were far more colorful than the present day band uniforms. Thereafter, beards and makeup were introduced as a traditional and distinctive characteristic of the Oriental Band.
The Band became a truly independent performing unit. It took part and helped in ritualistic work at ceremonials. The Band was drilled and though it was never a precision marching unit, they became pretty good marchers. S.L. continued his work and guidance of the Oriental Band until World War II. At this time he left for the service in the Armed Forces and Howard Smith held the band together during this period. After the War, Braida returned to the Oriental Band for a period of time. There were other Captains of the Oriental Band and Noble Braida left the band when he became Potentate in 1952.
Many changes in the Band gradually took place. The uniforms were discarded and authentic uniforms from Jordan were purchased for the Band. Additionally, songs and patter in the Arabic language were introduced. Makeup and beards were considered and their use refined. Production numbers were developed and this continued to the point where the Band truly could put on a performance of the concert type. Credit for the initiation and implementation of all of these factors is due to Arnold A. Berger. He was music director under the band during this growth period.
In the early 1960s under the leadership of Matt Woodrow and the direction of Noble Berger, the Oriental Band achieved some of its finest honors. In championship competition the Al Bedoo Oriental Band won the World's Championship for three years in a row. The cup representing this achievement was retired to the Al Bedoo Oriental Band and is now among the trophies of Al Bedoo Temple.
Historically and today, the Al Bedoo Oriental Band has enjoyed a close working relationship with the Potentates of Al Bedoo Temple. In addition to helping with the ritualistic work and performing at ceremonials, the Band has consistently traveled to Shrine functions as the Potentate's representative. These appearances have been inside and outside the State of Montana. Like all units in the uniformed bodies, the Oriental Band has had its ups and downs but has always been a vital unit of Al Bedoo. Since the last World Championship was won, there has been some let downs in out-of-state activities. The present Band is a blend of old and new members under the leadership of C.H. Graham. Arnold A. Berger is still the musical director and interest and activity is increasing. Several out-of-state trips are now planned for the coming year and Potentate Eck has indicated his desire to have the Oriental Band represent him at several functions throughout the State of Montana and outside the State of Montana.
-- published in Al Bedooings
