Kappa Kappa Psi - Alpha Chapter

Oklahoma State University

Serving the OSU Bands and Striving for the Highest Since 1919

History Snippets

Snippet #22 - "Veteran Boh Steps From Podium", taken from Boh Makovsky's scrapbook, July 9, 1943

Steve Nelson:  "What follows is a newspaper clipping, taken from Boh's scrapbook, announcing Boh's retirement from active teaching at O.A.M.C.  There are a half-dozen or so such articles from around the state, each saying much the same thing.  This didn't slow Boh down much.  He remained active as a clinician, in fraternal activities and in his Masonic duties for years to come."
 

STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA, FRIDAY MORNING, JULY 9, 1943

VETERAN BOH STEPS FROM PODIUM
After 28 Years, Aggie Bandmaster Lays Aside Baton

    From peasantry to prominence - that is the record of Bohumil Makovsky, head of the music department whose resignation has been accepted by the State Board of Agriculture.

    With the acceptance of Boh's resignation, a tradition on the campus has been broken.  With a quarter century devoted to music and to building faithful and lasting friendships, the termination of Boh's services on the campus will be missed.  However, he will be about the college inspiring students and participating in college activities as head emeritus of the department.

    The argument that truth is stranger than fiction could be supported by Boh's rise from obscurity to fame.  Born in Frantisky, Bohemia, 64 years ago, his life has been one of continual toil.  His father died just before he was born and it was necessary for Boh to work hard as a youngster helping his mother spin flax.  His mother died when he was 12 years of age.  Work became more difficult and Boh hardly knew what play meant.  Pulling a plow by which the 14-acre farm in the old country was tilled was one of his many duties.

    His passion for music first burst forth when he began studying the clarinet under the tutelage of his uncle.  Boh explains that his reason for selecting the clarinet was that his uncle was so fond of the instrument and Boh was fond of his uncle.

    As he began to master the scales, notes, and rhythm, he would gather with the other youngsters in the Bohemian village and present juvenile recitals.  Through these years music became instilled in his soul and was foundation for the brilliant career that Boh has built.

    When he arrived in the United States at the age of 17, he became an apprentice to a cigar maker.  With music in his soul, he took the first chance to get away from the tobacco business and joined a travelling music show as leader of the band, a position he held for the number of years he toured.

    In 1903, three years before Oklahoma became a state, the Delmar Gardens, popular resort in Oklahoma City, needed a band.  As Boh has expressed it, here he saw opportunity in the frontier that he had studied in his native country.  He has given to the state that recognized him one of its best contributions.

    In 1915, J. W. Cantwell of the college, approached Boh and requested that he come to the institution as head of the music department.  When he arrived on the campus, his job consisted of such unmusical duties as preparing budgets, reporting departmental affairs, buying equipment, and directing personnel.  He complained to the administration that he wanted to teach music and wasn't trained in secretarial work.  Cantwell, however, recognized Boh's sterling qualities and set about to aid and inspire him.

    Obstacles were encountered.  Only one credit for music toward graduation was given when Boh arrived.  Additional study the student might do in music would not be given in the form of credit.  The possibility of expansion of music instruction appeared dim.  But the dean of agriculture agreed to let his students take a minor - eight hours - music.  Recognition of the importance of music came to officials and a fine arts degree now is offered.

    Makovsky's educational background from the standpoint of educational achievements, has been limited.  From 1883 to 1889 he was enrolled in grade school and high school in Czechoslovakia.  His education has been based on experience and experiment rather than study at higher institutions.

    Asked why he was so fond of Oklahoma, Boh replied, "Oklahoma has been good to me.  I have travelled over most of it.  It is my home."

    Boh's investment in the interest of youth has produced magnificent returns of a personal nature.  He refers to his students as "my boys" and speaks with pride and remembrance.  Several times when the band has been playing at a concert - since the outbreak of war, the musician has called attention to the boys fighting for the freedom he loves.  Ex-members of the band who are in the armed services or who have left the campus always look up "Boh" when they return for a visit.

    Boh has always insisted on two things - that his students work hard and that they be honest with themselves.  And his students through the years, have the deepest respect for him, both as a man and as a musician.  His strong influence over students moved one college president to say, "We hire him to teach music, but what he does is build men."