C.G. Conn Symphony Orchestra (Symphony in Gold) and the Conn Chicago store in the late 1930's

Here's a wonderful clip that we digitally restored from a rare surviving copy of the 1938 film 'First Chair' produced by Wilding Picture Productions in partnership with C.G. Conn Ltd. The original 16mm reel was found by Mark Overton of Saxquest and is being archived at the National Saxophone Museum. Reproduced here with permission from Conn-Selmer Inc.

In the 1920's, C.G. Conn almost singlehandedly started the school band movement as a means of expanding business and securing their future through music education. This clip shows the only known footage of the Conn Symphony Orchestra with special guests showcasing their wears on Conn instruments. Also shown is rare footage of the interior of the Conn Chicago store in the late 1930's.

Orchestra soloists in order of appearance:

Harry Glantz - solo trumpet with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra
Fred Pfaff - tuba soloist, radio and recording artist
Andy Sanella - saxophone soloist and radio orchestra leader
Simone Mantia - baritone horn/euphonium virtuoso and trombone artist
Ross Gorman - oboe soloist and multireed instrumentalist most noted today for inventing the clarinet glissando at the beginning of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue
Del Staigers - 1st trumpet for the Radio City Music Hall