*
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    


NYBBWales

Welsh youth set for trio of Harper led performances

May 21 • The National Youth Brass Band of Wales and Philip Harper can be heard in Bangor, St David's and Newport in August.


4BR Reviw

4BR Review — Episode 18

May 21 • Enjoy the latest debate about the banding world as Edward Gregson and Paul Hindmarsh air their opinions on banding's artistic vision.


Willebroek

Willebroek to show case major talents in Birmingham

May 21 • A trio major compositions will be showcased by the current World and Belgian champions at the Elgar International Festival of Brass.


Dutch Open

Big bands and brass bands to provide entertainment at Dutch Open

May 21 • There will be plenty of great entertainment on offer on stage at the Dutch Open next month.


Newstead Brass - Mansfield MVC - Brass and Voices

Sunday 24 May • Forest Town Arena. Clipstone Road West,. Mansfield NG19 0EE


Contest: Whit Friday March Contests

Friday 29 May • Saddleworth & Tameside OL3


The Hepworth Band - Brassband Burgermusik Luzern

Saturday 30 May • Dewsbury Minster, Vicarage Road, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF12 8DD


Fulham Brass Band - Summer Concert

Friday 5 June • St Dionis Church, Parsons Green SW6 4UH


Sherborne Town Band - Friends

Sunday 7 June • Sherborne, Dorset-Pageant Gardens DT9 3NP


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for a Bb and Eb Bass player (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday & Thursday evenings in Mossley.


St John's Band (Mossley)

May 21 • We are a friendly, welcoming 4th section band based in Tameside, Greater Manchester. Following our 4th place at the North West regionals, we are looking for SOLO CORNET players (position negotiable). We rehearse Tuesday and Thursday evenings in Mossley.


Regent Brass

May 20 • Regent Brass (Championship Section) seek a Bb Bass to join our friendly, musically ambitious Central London band. We enjoy a varied and balanced schedule of concerts and contests, and regularly premiere new music.


Paul Andrews


Conductor, Band trainer, Adjudicator, Instrument Repairer - Brasstoff


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd