Cooper Marching Hawks Participate in Suffrage Day

Students from Cooper High School played historic songs at the State Capitol as part of Minnesota Women’s Suffrage Day festivities.

“This is a really cool experience for the whole band,” said Paige Hennen, band member. “It’s really good exposure for us.”

Cooper’s Marching Band was the only high school band participating in the event that commemorated the 100th Anniversary of Minnesota’s ratification of the 19th Amendment. The University of Minnesota band played as well.

“It’s crazy that we are the only high school band that is here,” said Natalie Harms, a band member. “We get the opportunity to play in front of everyone.”

Playing Historic Music

Suffrage historians present told the crowd that music was a big part of suffrage rallies.

But when Cooper Marching Band Director Markus Hahn went to find music to play, he had to dig deep.

“There isn’t much music in print, and by much, I mean any music in print,” explained Hahn.

He went through records in the Library of Congress to find old piano pieces. He spent an afternoon with another staff member to arrange the music for students to begin learning in August.

“We found the music in the Library of Congress because it’s historical music. Outside of 1910-1919, it didn’t get much play,” said Hahn.

But it did during the anniversary event, and the gravity of the moment wasn’t lost on some students.

“It’s very nerve-wracking,” said Danny Latu, a band member. “But it’s very exciting and fun at the same time.”

“I think it’s cool that we get to see everyone that’s here and stand up for women,” said Amalia Villalobos, a band member.

A commemorative program capped off festivities in the Rotunda.

To learn more about the event, click here.

Cooper High School

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