Breathlessly, we report Breaking News

We have new information on the possible source of the lyrics to the Cardinal Rouser (Cheer Oh Cheer For Alex! Shout 'til the rafters ring.).

We are in possession of an email which undeniably states that distinguished Alexandria bandleader Vince DiNino (pictured) and the late editor of the Park Region Echo together wrote lyrics to the (Henry) Fillmore classic music (from the Bennet Band Book) over drinks at the American Legion Clubrooms -- on (Millard) Fillmore Avenue in downtown Alexandria. This story is becoming increasingly complex so we are carefully verifying the information over drinks in Shakopee and will meticulously report the details herewith as they become understood.

Please bear with us as we faithfully endeavor to bring this new information to your attention.

Bad Axe
Those who don't know Vince DiNino should learn that he was the band and orchestra director and Music Department chairman in Alexandria from 1948-1955 before he departed for the University of Texas at Austin.

His teaching positions prior to coming to Alexandria included Lake Mills, Iowa; Bad Axe, Michigan; Blythe, California; and Assistant Director at the University of Minnesota.
When Vince came to The University of Texas in Austin, a new era of bands opened up. He was to the band program at the university what Darrell Royal was to football.

The first challenge he had was to sell the band directors of Texas on the Longhorn Band. This was a real problem since most of the band directors of the state had earned their teaching credentials from other schools. Vince did most of his first recruiting by visiting high school principals and getting them to recommend good students for possible membership in the Longhorn Band.

Super Bowl
His perseverance paid off and it was not long before the Longhorn Band had a membership of 300 students and became a nationally recognized organization.

During his twenty years as Longhorn Band Director, the band made 17 bowl game performances. The Longhorn Band and Michigan Band are the only major university bands to perform at the Super Bowl. He led the Longhorn Band on a tour of Peru; led the Longhorn Band as the Honor Band in the Fiesta Flambeau Parade for 20 consecutive years in San Antonio; performed at the inaugurals of John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson; and played for numerous Texas Governor’s inaugurals. In addition, the Longhorn Band made many recordings which he produced and conducted.

"Cheer-Oh-Cheer For Alex! Shout 'til the rafters ring" was never mentioned in the official summary of his body of work, which was prepared and published by the University of Texas.

But wait. Original Vince DiNino authored e-mail explanation to come. Keep checking the blog.