Percy Grainger, a renowned pianist and composer visited campus for a few days in 1940 to teach, perform, and lecture with the Gustavus Band. He enjoyed himself so much he joined the ensemble for their 1941 tour of Minnesota. For two weeks in March they traveled from Willmar to Duluth playing to enthusiastic audiences all across the state. On their way to the finale in Cambridge, MN, the bus stalled during a storm and the 5 foot 4 inch Grainger along with Gustavus Band conductor Fredrick Hilary, jumped to the rescue. Much to the students enjoyment, the two men tried to push the band bus to Cambridge.
This is a photograph of Percy Grainger (center) shaking the hands of some people in 1941.