*
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    


4BR Review — Episode 21

September 11 • 4BR Editor Iwan Fox and Chris Thomas look forward to the 172nd British Open Championship in Birmingham on the weekend.


Dobson

Dobson enjoying his latest Dopamine hit...

September 11 • The Cornish composer continues to make his mark on the wider musical world with his latest album already becoming a hit in more ways than one...


British Open

British Open Countdown: T minus 1

September 11 • All the bands are now heading to Birmingham with all their prep done and dusted on 'Music of the Spheres'.


Howard Snell

Eikanger lead 90th birthday celebration for Howard Snell

September 11 • A wonderful musical tribute was paid to Howard Snell by the Norwegian band he inspired to lead with passion and vision.


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 13 September • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards

Thursday 17 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Duchess of Edinburgh String Orchestra

Friday 18 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Irish Guards

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Eagle Brass

Thursday 1 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Tintwistle Band

September 11 • We have a vacancy for soprano cornet, and with lots of exciting engagements coming up we would love to get this seat filled! . As a second section band, we rehearse every Monday and Thursday 8-10pm at our own bandroom in Tintwistle.


Brunel Brass Organisation

September 11 • Brunel Brass is looking for a BACK ROW CORNET to complete the band. Challenging for promotion to the Championship Section in 2027 and achieving our highest ever result at the British Open Senior Trophy in 2026,


Birchwood Community Brass Band

September 9 • Due to retirement, Birchwood Community Brass Band requires the services of a new MD. We are a friendly Warrington based noncontesting band and training band of mixed ability looking for an MD to continue the musical development of both groups.


Morgan Griffiths

Dip. Performance
Conductor, Peripatetic Music Teacher, Lower brass specialist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd