The Al Welsh Orchestra

A Legacy of Ballroom Music in Iowa

       For more than seventy years, the Al Welsh Orchestra has been a defining presence in Iowa’s ballroom dance tradition. From handwritten arrangements in the 1950s to performances that continue today, the band’s story is one of resilience, innovation, friendship, and an enduring love for big band music.

The Beginning: A Young Musician with a Dream

       Allen “Al” Welsh (1930–1989) grew up in Hamilton County, Iowa, the youngest of five children. After his father’s death when Al was just two years old, his mother moved the family from their farm to Webster City, where Al graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948.

       Even as a boy, Al was rarely without his trumpet. A childhood friend once remarked that Al always carried a trumpet in one hand and a baseball glove in the other—prepared for music or sports at any moment. As a teenager, he performed with area dance bands and small ensembles, quietly forming a dream of leading his own orchestra.

       At age 24, he decided to make that dream a reality.

       There was one major obstacle: he had no arrangements and no money to purchase them. Undeterred, Al began writing his own. With manuscript paper, a fountain pen, and bottles of India ink, he created dozens of arrangements for a classic big band instrumentation—five brass, five saxophones, and rhythm section. Some were original compositions; others were carefully transcribed from 78 rpm recordings. His influences included Sammy Kaye, Jan Garber, Russ Morgan, Freddy Martin, and Tommy Dorsey. Remarkably, several of those original arrangements remain in the orchestra’s library today.

Establishing a Reputation

       By early 1955, the Al Welsh Orchestra was ready for its public debut. Al served not only as leader, trumpeter, and vocalist, but also as arranger, copyist, booking agent, publicist, equipment manager, driver, and paymaster.

       The band’s early engagements included country clubs, American Legion dances, proms, and homecoming celebrations. Positive word spread quickly. Soon the orchestra was performing regularly for Elks, Moose, Kiwanis, and other service organizations throughout north central Iowa.

       In 1957, the Des Moines Tribune documented an appearance at Lake Robbins Ballroom—a relationship that would endure for decades. The Al Welsh Orchestra has played Lake Robbins in every decade since, making it the longest-running band at that venue.

       The orchestra soon became a regular presence at major regional ballrooms including the Roof Garden in Arnolds Park and the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake. When the Roof Garden reopened after renovation in 1963, the Al Welsh Orchestra was the first band to play for dancers on the newly finished floor. Throughout the 1960s, the band frequently appeared alongside national acts such as The Byrds, Bobby Vinton, the Yardbirds, and Count Basie.

Innovation and Adaptability

       Like many big bands, the Al Welsh Orchestra faced financial challenges. Originally performing with as many as 13 musicians, the ensemble gradually reduced in size as ballroom budgets tightened.

       Al responded creatively. Wanting to preserve a strong saxophone section, he replaced the piano and bass with an electric organ, which he played himself. Using his feet and left hand to supply rhythm and bass lines, he freed his right hand for trumpet and vocals. This ingenious approach allowed the band to maintain a full, rich sound with fewer musicians—a practical innovation that kept the orchestra thriving.

       In 1960, two musicians joined who would become central to the band’s identity: alto saxophonist Ross Leeper and drummer Don “Pinky” Redman. Their musicianship and friendship with Al formed the core sound that dancers across Iowa came to love. Both remained with the orchestra for the rest of their lives.

A Family Affair

       Music was central to the Welsh family. Al and his wife Sherry raised five children—Allen, Debra, Kim, Michael, and Jeanna—all of whom played instruments. Four performed in the orchestra at various times. Their son Allen joined as drummer at age eleven; Debra played keyboards; Kim played saxophone; Michael performed on trombone and later drums. Even Sherry occasionally sat in behind the drum set.

       In 1974, a Webster City freshman named Steve Cook began playing trumpet with the band after studying with Al when in Junior High school. He would go on to become one of the orchestra’s longest-serving members.

Continuing After Al

       Al Welsh passed away unexpectedly in 1989. The orchestra was scheduled to perform at the Surf Ballroom the following Saturday—and the band honored that commitment. Shortly afterward, CBS News aired a feature on Midwest ballroom dancing that included footage of Al and the orchestra at the Surf  ( CBS News Link ).

       With the encouragement of Ross Leeper and Don Redman, Sherry Welsh allowed the orchestra to continue performing under Al’s name. The music carried on.

New Ownership and Renewed Energy

       Trombonist Denny Anderson, who had been performing with the orchestra since the early 1980s, purchased the band from Sherry Welsh on January 1, 2003. At the time, 15 performances were booked for the year—12 at Lake Robbins Ballroom. Denny worked diligently to expand engagements across Iowa as many traditional ballrooms faced declining attendance and financial pressures.

       Under his leadership, the orchestra continued its tradition of excellence while adapting to changing times.

       In 2005, the band released its first CD, Puttin’ On The Hits, featuring 29 audience favorites. A second recording, Ballroom Dance Favorites, followed in 2009. The latter project was mixed and edited by students in the Perry High School Music Technology program under the direction of band member Steve Cook.

       On July 1, 2019, Denny sold the orchestra to Tom Steinkoenig, who led the band for one year. On July 30, 2020, Steve Cook assumed ownership, with he and Denny agreeing to share operational responsibilities. Both had been hired by Al Welsh decades earlier and remained close musical and personal friends.

A Living Tradition

       Today, the Al Welsh Orchestra performs approximately 20–30 engagements annually, primarily throughout Iowa. Many members are music educators or retired band directors, carrying forward a tradition of professionalism and dedication.

       While the band could have expanded more widely across the Midwest, its members have always been content serving their home state. Even during the challenges presented by COVID-19, the orchestra endured. Encouragingly, younger dancers have begun discovering the joy of ballroom music, offering hope for the future.

The Sound Lives On

       The Al Welsh Orchestra continues to perform the great music of the big band era—Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, Lawrence Welk, Guy Lombardo, and many others—along with the timeless dance favorites audiences request year after year.

       From handwritten scores in India ink to modern recordings and decades of ballroom performances, the orchestra stands as one of Iowa’s longest-running musical institutions.

       More than a band, it is a legacy—still swinging, still dancing, and still true to the vision Al Welsh began in the early 1950s.