FIRST BAND, the Cle Elum City Band, was formed in May 1902 by Teasdale L. Wilkeson, director. (Northern Kittitas County History online at
www.nkcmuseums.org)
The band's most famous director, James Bertello, took over in 1904. Bertello, known locally as Old Maestro, directed the band's playing for community events for over 50 years.
(ANOTHER STORY, A Collection of Stories About the Early History of the Upper Kittitas County in Washington State, published by Northern Kittitas County Historical Society, 2013, page 115.)
(Cle Elum City Band, with director James Bertello in dark jacket, 1923. On right is James Bertello, circa 1940. Photos courtesy of Northern Kittitas County Historical Society)