9th Annual Manuel Yingling Day

Newcomerstown celebrates the 9th annual Manuel Yingling Day! MANUEL YINGLING Early Life and Career Manuel "Manny" Yingling was a prominent American trombonist, conductor, composer, and musical entrepreneur who made significant contributions to the world of music during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on October 24, 1872, in Newcomerstown, Ohio, he embarked on a lifelong musical journey that would lead him to become one of the most celebrated trombone soloists of his time. Yingling's early musical education took place within the public school system of Newcomerstown, Ohio, where he honed his musical skills. Eager to advance his musical knowledge, he continued his studies at prestigious institutions, including Oberlin College of Music and The Boston Conservatory. Throughout his illustrious career, Manuel Yingling was associated with a range of notable bands and orchestras, showcasing his exceptional talents as a trombone soloist. His musical journey led him through various ensembles, such as the Theodore Thomas Orchestra (1893), Michael Brand's Cincinnati Band (1893), The Ellis Brooks Band, The Grand Army Band, Duquesne Theatre Orchestra (1896), Waite's Grand Orchestra (1897-98), Beilstedt and Ballenberg Band (1897-98), the Great Eastern Band (1898), The Thayer Military Band (1905), Prouty's Orchestra of Boston (1905-09), Neddermeyer's Band (1909-10), The Royal Scotch Highlanders Band (1914-1920), Conway's Band (1919), Sousa's Band (1920), and Weber's Prize Band of America (1921). Notably, in most of these bands, Yingling served as the featured trombone soloist, captivating audiences with his exceptional talent. Musical Entrepreneurship and Compositions In addition to his performing career, Manuel Yingling also displayed his musical versatility as a conductor, composer, and musical entrepreneur. As he journeyed across the United States for various engagements, he maintained a connection to his hometown of Newcomerstown, Ohio, where he served as the conductor of the Hyperion Band. This local band became an integral part of the community's musical culture. Yingling's contributions extended to the realm of composition, where he primarily focused on marches and two-steps. Among his compositions was the "Hyperion Polka," a trombone solo piece named after the band he conducted in Newcomerstown. Additionally, he owned a music store in his hometown, which mainly offered sheet music, records, and Victrolas, a high-end internal horn phonograph. Unique Instrument Endorsement In contrast to many of his peers in the Sousa Band who endorsed C. G. Conn instruments, Manuel Yingling chose to endorse instruments from other manufacturers throughout his career. He initially endorsed the Distin trombone until 1909 when Henry Distin sold his factory to Brua Keefer. After this transition, Yingling began endorsing Keefer instruments, a partnership that would last for at least fifteen years. As the conductor of the Hyperion Band, Yingling arranged for the ensemble to exclusively use Keefer instruments. Following a factory fire in 1941, the Keefer Instrument Company ceased operations, although some of their instruments are still preserved today. A Trombone Virtuoso Manuel Yingling was widely recognized as a virtuoso trombonist. His exceptional skills prompted the director of the Scotch Highlander Band to declare that Yingling was the equal of Arthur Pryor, a renowned trombonist of the time. In 1920, Yingling had the opportunity to prove this claim when he performed as a soloist with the Sousa Band during their Willow Grove Park engagement, which lasted for twenty-nine days during the summer of 1920. Career with the Sousa Band The exact date when Yingling joined the Sousa Band remains unknown; however, he played both as a section trombonist and as a featured soloist during the Willow Grove Park season in 1920. In a postcard dated September 7, 1920, from Willow Grove Park, Yingling wrote, "This pavilion in which we play seats nine thousand people, and we have had it packed full on several occasions. This is our fourth week here. We start out on the road next Monday." Yingling was enthusiastic about the upcoming fall tour with Sousa; however, his tenure with the Sousa Band was tragically cut short when he suffered a stroke in late 1920. After recovering, he returned to Newcomerstown, Ohio, where he devoted most of his time to directing the Hyperion Band and operating his music store. Manuel Yingling Day ARTSNCT’s executive director, Michael Wise, established the annual event known as Manuel Yingling Day in October 2016. This initiative received its impetus when Michael Wise, then the editor of the Newcomerstown News, requested that the mayor of Newcomerstown proclaim October 24 as Manuel Yingling Day. The proclamation was made in honor of the local-born Manuel Yingling, who was not only a world-renowned trombonist but also the featured trombonist in John Philip Sousa's band and a noted composer. Notably, during this time, Manuel Yingling's name was added to the newspaper's masthead alongside local legends Cy Young and Woody Hayes. ARTSNCT has played a pivotal role in organizing special celebration programs in collaboration with local libraries and the historical society. The celebration continues to expand each year, paying homage to Manuel Yingling's lasting impact on the community and the world of music. The Manuel Yingling Music Award In 2018, ARTSNCT, the arts center of Newcomerstown, established the prestigious Manuel Yingling Music Award in honor of the world-renowned trombonist and composer, Manuel Yingling. This annual award recognizes individuals who exhibit superior musicianship and outstanding dedication in the realm of music. Nominations for the award are submitted each year by peers, teachers, and other arts and education professionals. Winners are chosen based on their performance skills, active participation in musical groups and events, community involvement, and selfless acts of sharing and promoting music through volunteerism.