The group, an ensemble of nine musicians, went into the studio at Junior's Motel near Otho and laid down 29 tracks, enough music to fill almost 76 minutes with big band era and popular dance music from the 1920s and '30s. The selections were chosen based on how often they were requested by audiences at the band’s performances. Included are "Puttin' on the Ritz," "Ain't We Got Fun," "Hot Cha Cha Cha" and "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree."

"It's hard to say which is my favorite," Anderson said. "I enjoy playing them all. Probably the most requested is Glenn Miller's 'In the Mood.' Another good one is Ann Murray's 'Could I Have this Dance.'"

Also on the disc are "Hey Good Lookin'," "Ragtime Cowboy Joe," "Blue Bayou," "Sioux City Sue" and "Woodchopper's Ball." Arrangements performed were by artists including Tommy Dorsey, Woody Hermann, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Lawrence Welk and Guy Lombardo.

Anderson, from Twin Lakes, plays trombone in the band. He has been playing with the group since the late 1970s. He is also a long-standing member of Karl L. King Fort Dodge Municipal Band, playing with them for 34 years. Anderson retired in 2000 after 32 years as band director with the Rockwell City-Lytton Schools and currently teaches part time at Pomeroy Palmer Community Schools in Pomeroy.

Joining him in the Al Welsh Orchestra lineup are:

• Ross Leeper, of Indianola, plays lead saxophone and clarinet and has been with the band for 46 years. He is the director of bands at the Knoxville High School, Knoxville, but formerly lived and taught in Eagle Grove. He is a former member of the Karl King Band, a former director of the Fort Dodge Area Symphony, Fort Dodge Chorale Society and Simpson College Band.
• Marlene Radebaugh plays the alto saxophone and clarinet, as well as serving as the group's vocalist. He lives in Rippey and has been playing with the Al Welsh Orchestra for 25 years and has been playing in various dance bands for 50 years.
• Everett Boyer plays tenor saxophone and clarinet. From Plymouth, he works at Kephart Music Co. in Mason City. He also leads his own band, the "Everett Boyer Orchestra."
• Steve Cook, from Perry, plays lead trumpet. He is the director of bands at Perry High School. A native of Webster City, Cook started playing in the band while in high school and has now been involved for 30 years.
• Tim Miller also plays trumpet. From Humboldt, Miller is the middle school band director for Humboldt Community Schools. He is also active in other musical groups including the popular brass quintet Jive For Five and the Karl King Band.
• Chuck Radke, of Grand Junction, plays the keyboard and has been tickling the ivories for the band for more than 25 years. A retired band director, he previously taught at East Greene and Panorama Community Schools. He currently teaches private instrumental lessons and plays clarinet and oboe in community bands, including the Karl King Band.
• Tracie Korbitz plays bass. Hailing from Boone, she teaches Spanish and music in the schools. She has played with the band for the past 11 years.
• Don Redman, from Gowrie, plays the drums and has kept the beat for the band for more than 45 years. He also plays drums with the Stratford Rhythm Rambers.

"At Your Request ... Putting on the Hits'"
By The Al Welsh Orchestra
The CD includes 29 dance selections ranging from fox trots and waltzes to polka and Latin styles. The CDs are $12 and can be purchased at the band's performances or at Abstract Services of Calhoun County. Also, a copy can be purchased by sending $15 (includes shipping and handling) to Al Welsh Orchestra, P.O. Box 24, Rockwell City, IA 50579.

Reprinted with permission. © Messenger News 2006