Glenn Cliffe Bainum (Honorary Inductee)
He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1913 and was assistant conductor of the Illinois bands. From 1914 to 1922 he directed music at Illinois State University. After completion of another music degree in 1924, he became director of music in the Grand Rapids, Mich., public school system.
In 1926, Bainum came to Northwestern as professor of music, director of bands, and director of men's and women's glee clubs. In his first two years, he built the 13-piece band into one with over 100 members. Known as an innovator in marching band formations, he was the first to use mimeographed charts to teach maneuvers.
Bainum also conducted the Waa-Mu Show orchestra and University Symphonic Band and taught classes in conducting, band arranging, instrumentation and band techniques. In the years from 1942 to 1945 he saw service at the U.S. Army's chief of the Overseas Music Branch of Special Services and was responsible for all music in the European theater operations. In addition to his many contributions to music at Northwestern, Bainum originated the electrically illuminated marching pageantry for the All-Star football games at Soldier Field and directed similar events in Philadelphia and Charleston, W. Va. He also conducted the North Shore Music Festival, the Grant Park Symphonic Band and weekly radio programs.
Bainum retired from Northwestern in 1953 after 27 years, but remained active. He conducted and taught massed band and group clinics throughout the country He was named honorary life president of the American Bandmasters Association, having served as president and secretary-treasurer for 21 years. He had been honored by the National Band Association, College Band Directors National Association, American School Band Directors Association, Catholic Bandmasters Association, Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity and countless other groups.
Bainum died in 1974, leaving a musical legacy that touched thousands of students and lovers of band and symphonic music.
