The Anatowind Clinic originated in Beloit, Wisconsin in 1951. It was stated through research by Joseph Simmons, director of the Beloit College band, teacher of theory and composition, and a graduate of Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.
Mr. Simmons realized that there were many unanswered questions relative to the physiological structure and muscular approach of the instrumental player. He sought beyond the conventional answers and found in his research that the muscles of the head structure were directly related to the breathing process in blowing an instrument.
In 1951, with information available to him from the American Dental Society, Mr. Simmons started his research. By 1958 this research began to result in formula processes capable of being reduced to individual case studies. In 1961 the Clinic process was registered with the United States Patent Office as “Teaching Proper Muscular Coordination in the Playing of Musical Instruments Through Personal Demonstrations, Clinics, Reports, etc.” In 1963 the Clinic secured a building with the set-up being much the same as a medical concept. The building was purchased in 1966 and has been the home of all Clinic developments to the present time. In 1975 a Doctoral Dissertation was prepared and published through The Catholic University of America–its title, “A Comparative Study of an Experimental Method for Increasing Range and Endurance on Brass Instruments (Cornet-Trumpet)”
With the growth of the Anatowind Clinic, it was inevitable that the movement would need more people to carry it forward. James Simmons became interested in The Anatowind Musical Teaching Process and recieved early training in the clinical science. As a result, he has developed into an active clinician and his many years of training have added new dimensions to the course. James became director of clinical operation in l978 and has moved the Clinic to its present existing role.
