*
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    


Nord

Report & Results: 2026 Aalborg Music Festival

May 11 • Nordvestjysk Brass Band claims the 14th Aalborg title with section wins for Aalborg Post Orkester, Hjorring Brass Band and Kimbrer Garden


Paul Holland

Mayor's Medal honour for Holland

May 11 • Flowers Band MD Paul Holland has been presented with The Mayor's Medal as an expression of the thanks and gratitude of the Citizens of Gloucester following the band's recent European title success.


Tonga

New commission celebrates Tongan history

May 11 • A new test-piece work by Andrew Wainwright will receive its premiere at the Tonga Secondary School Brass Band Festival.


Tameside Whit Friday

Venues ready for Tameside Whit Friday visitors

May 11 • 11 venues will welcome performers and listeners alike later this month.


Harlow Brass Band - SPRING CONCERT - AN ANIMATION SENSATION

Saturday 16 May • St Andrew's Methodist Church. The Stow. Harlow. CM20 3AF


Sherborne Town Band - Free-Music in the park

Sunday 17 May • Dorchester- Park Bandstand DT1 1RG


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


Chinnor Silver

May 11 • We are looking for PERCUSSIONISTS to join us as we head into an exciting period for the band.Good and varied diary ahead.. We rehearse on Wednesdays in our own bandroom (so none of that tedious setting up and down)


Hathern Band

May 10 • Due to University placement we require a Bb Bass player- we are a First Section band based at our own band room in the village of Hathern LE12 5LJ Leicestershire (between M1 Jcts 23 & 24) and close to Lougborough and Nottingham Universities


Newstead Brass

May 10 • Newstead Brass are on the lookout for a talented 2nd BARITONE player to join our ambitious and hardworking Nottinghamshire-based Championship Section band.. A rare chance to become part of an ambitious brass band striving for even greater success together.


Sam Fisher

BA (Hons), PGCE, Dip.ABRSM
Conductor, Adjudicator (AoBBA), Composer/Arranger, Cornet & Flugelhorn Soloist


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd