*
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    


Moore and Lloyd

Positive Times for banding in the media

March 11 • The highly respected chief music critic of The Times has added to the recent positive flow of news about the banding world and its performers.


Whit Friday

Saddleworth & Oldham District Whit Friday details announced

March 11 • There will be 11 venues to visit for players, supporters and visitors alike as the greatest free show one earth welcomes the bands yet again.


Higgins

Hepworth ambition embraces Higgins Concerto Grosso

March 11 • The newly crowned Yorkshire Area champions will join forces with Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra for a performance of Gavin Higgins' imposing 'Concerto Grosso for Brass Band and Orchestra' in Huddersfield next month.


Brangwyn Hall

Welsh bands prepare for Brangwyn tests

March 11 • 35 bands will compete at the Welsh Regional Championships — and its a 11.00am start each day in Swansea.


Regent Hall Concerts - London Central Fellowship Band

Saturday 7 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 10 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Queen Victorias Consort

Friday 13 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Slide Effect Trombone Quartet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London. . W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Welsh Guards Band Septet

Friday 20 March • Regent Hall. (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. London W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

March 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND is meeting again on Monday(16th) at 11am. We welcome players of all abilities to join us for a friendly relaxed rehearsal.. Its all free including the coffee and cake.


Glossop Old Band

March 11 • 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.


Rushden Town Band

March 8 • 2nd Trombone for Midlands Area First Section Champions 2026.


Sandy Smith


Conductor, teacher, adjudicator and arranger


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd