*
banner

Sisters doing it for themselves — and dad

Anitra and Elise Hovelson recently fulfilled a life long ambition with the Sheldon Theatre Brass Band from Red Wing, Minnesota — much to the delight of their very proud father...

Hovelso
 

The Sheldon Theatre Brass Band from Red Wing, Minnesota in the USA, recently gave two very special fans an opportunity they'd been waiting for all their lives.

Sisters Anitra and Elise Hovelson have been attending concerts since they were toddlers to see their father, Milt, play in the band that he helped to found in 1989.

Mesmerised

Anitra told 4BR: "Unlike other kids who were squirming and distracted during the concerts, we were mesmerised by the sound and sight of the band."

Over the years the sisters developed their own musical skills — although they happened to be with signing and playing string instruments!

Yearned for the chance

However, they always wanted to perform with the band, so even whilst their highly successful professional careers developed in other parts of the USA, they still yearned for that chance to play alongside their father.

Finally they had the chance last month, with Anitra returning from Wisconsin and Elise flying in from California to join in the band's most recent concert, where the daughters gave wonderful renditions of two songs backed by the band — and all with a proud dad playing first baritone!

I was nervous going into the concert, even though I had complete confidence in my daughters. I just didn't want to mess up while playing the backgrounds for their songs!Milt Hovelson

Proud dad

An understandably proud Milt Hovelson added: "I was nervous going into the concert, even though I had complete confidence in my daughters. I just didn't want to mess up while playing the backgrounds for their songs!

As expected there wasn't a dry eye in the house as a life-long wish of two daughters was finally granted.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Eikanger-Bjørsvik celebrating

World Rankings: April 2026

April 9 • Eikanger-Bjørsvik return to the top of the rankings following their recent victory at the Norwegian Championships in Bergen.


Victoria Wood

Limited tickets only for NYBBGB Easter concerts

April 8 • There are only limited tickets left if you wish to enjoy the New Horizons Concerts of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain Leyburn and Manchester — so be quick.


Doodles

Spring upgrade from Doodles

April 8 • The bespoke mouthpiece business is offering a Spring custom upgrade...


Banstand

Radio: Bandstand

April 8 • More brass band music to enjoy from Lucas Burns in Australia with one work about a dog and a bomb...


Regent Hall Concerts - Central Band of the Royal Air Force

Friday 1 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Sunday 3 May • St Alfege Church. Greenwich Church Street SE10 9BJ


Regent Hall Concerts - FiveBy5 Trumpet Quintet

Tuesday 5 May • Charlton House and Gardens. Charlton Road, . London. . SE7 8RE


Regent Hall Concerts - Royal Greenwich Brass Band

Friday 8 May • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Wardle Anderson Brass Band - Wardle Junior Blast

Friday 8 May • Milnrow Parish Church, 16 Westward Ho, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 3JX


Glossop Old Band

April 9 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a principal cornet player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Harrogate Band

April 8 • We are looking for a Solo Cornet and Back Row Cornet to complete our team. . Interesting mix of engagements and contests. . Rehearsals Wednesday 8pm at our own bandroom located next to Hornbeam Park train station. Great transport links


Glossop Old Band

April 8 • Our friendly second section band are looking for a BB bass player to join us for contests, concerts and exciting new projects. Glossop Old Band is situated between Manchester and Sheffield and rich in history.


Chris Wormald

B.Mus (Hons), LTCL, PGCE
Conductor, adjudicator, arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd