1967
April – The “Grenadiers” make their first trip to St. Petersburg Festival of States via five commercial buses.
This, the Band’s first victory on a national level, begins the “Grenadiers” dynasty at St. Pete. (photos: Ernst’s
Photography, St. Petersburg Times and Evening Independent)
Sept. – The opening of Freedom High School represents a period of adjustment for both bands. Though,
as a result, the Grenadiers’ membership is reduced to 135, Mr. Sherry reports that “the spirit is great. invitations galore
have been offered the band.” (photo: 1967 Annual Report, Bethlehem Steel Corporation)
1968
Sept. – The band begins to expand its theme and size. “Mr Sherry spoke of a full, exciting season with 167
band members. A Wilkinson sword has been added to the Colour Guard. This year marks the addition of nine bagpipe players.”
Nov. – “Mr. Sherry discussed half-time for the Thanksgiving Day football game. A special program will be
presented as this will terminate Thanksgiving Day football games with Allen High School.”
1970
Jan. – For many years, Mr. Raymond Hoffert lent a helping hand to the students and staff of the Band and
Orchestra, especially at the football concession stands. “Mr. Hoffert reported on the finest year of the concession stands.
He said that a TON of hot dogs was sold. and presented a check for $4,500 to Mr. Sherry.” [Annually, the Hoffert Award is presented
to outstanding Liberty H.S. Band and Orchestra members who epitomize Ray’s dedication.]
April – The Liberty Grenadiers make a “clean sweep” at St. Petersburg Festival of States, winning both the
Mayor’s Trophy (field show) and the Governor’s Cup (parade). While in Florida, the band actually had grandstand seating at
Cape Kennedy to view the take-off of Apollo 13. Upon their return, the LHSGB was greeted by over 4,000 well-wishers in BASD
stadium. During the ceremony, Mayor Gordon Payrow made good his promise of renaming Pine St. “Grenadier Boulevard” if the LHSGB
was victorious in St. Pete. (photos, right: St. Petersburg Times and Evening Independent, Firestone Photographs)
Sept – A busy month: 192 Band Members march in the Miss America Parade, Atlantic City, “Best Band”;
and at a Philadelphia Eagles game. (photo, right: Charles Melick) Also the Band travels to Hershey
Arena to see none other than Her Majesty’s Band of the Coldstream Guards during their 1970 North American Tour.
1971
May – Amendment passed: “The name of the organization be changed from the Liberty High School Band and
Orchestra Parents Club to the Liberty High School Grenadier Band and Orchestra Parents Club.”
– Band marches in Tall Cedars Parade, Atlantic City
– “Mr. Saunders, Assistant Principal, explained the new Classroom Center [now the Klein Classroom Center].
Interested parents were then taken on a tour of the new building.”
Sept. – Miss America Parade, Atlantic City, “Best Band”
Nov. – Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
– N.Y. Jets-Kansas City Chiefs, Shea Stadium
1972
Jan. – “Mr. Sherry told of some of the invitations received – one being the opening of the Olympics in
Germany on August 23rd, which we cannot accept. He said there are over 300 pieces of mail received from 40 states and 3
foreign countries.”
Sept. – Miss America Parade, Atlantic City
Nov. – Liberty/Freedom Bands present joint half-time show at Eagles-Dallas game in Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia
Dec. – Colts football half-time, Baltimore
1973
May – Indianapolis 500 parade
Aug. – Clark Hamman, Liberty’s 1st Assistant Director arrives
Sept. – Redskins game, Washington, D.C.
1974
Sept. – Philadelphia Bicentennial Parade
April – St. Petersburg Festival of States (240 Band Members) 2nd place – parade (photos: Festival of States)
BR>Oct. – Yale Bowl
Nov. – Liberty/Freedom Bands present joint half-time at Eagles game, Vet Stadium, Philadelphia
– King Frost Parade, Hamburg, Pa
1975
Jan. – PMEA District Band hosted here at Liberty H.S., Jonathan Elkus, Guest Conductor
March – The 2nd generation of “Grenadier” uniforms arrive. ” Mr. Sherry presented the new uniforms, giving an explanation
and background of the Coldstream Guards. the Band will wear the uniforms for the first time at the Spring Concert on March 21 and 22.”
April – Pegasus Festival/Kentucky Derby parade, Louisville, 1st place – parade, 2nd place – field show
(photo: Lin Caufield Photographers)
Oct. – Jets game, Shea Stadium
Nov. – Giants game
– Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
1976
May – LHS Orchestra exchange with Massapequa, NY, Orchestra
July – The LHSGB, by invitation, performs for Queen Elizabeth II at Her presentation of the Bicentennial Bell to the
people of America in Philadelphia, July 4, 1976. Being the sole performers for the occasion, the Band received word that
Her Majesty had deemed the music “most appropriate.”
Sept. – “Mr. Sherry noted that this will be the band’s 50th Anniversary year. with 271 members.”
Oct. – Giants/Steelers football game