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THE BOYS BAND
The Boys’ Band of the Grove City High School was organized in June
1917. There were so many applications for admission to the High School
Orchestra, organized several years earlier, by boys playing, or
desiring to play brass instruments, of whom only a few could be
admitted. To satisfy the desire of these boys and others likeminded in
years to come, the principal secured the consent and the good will of
the Board of Education for a School Band.
Weekly practices began
in late May or early June, 1917. A motely assortment of instruments
were used at first. Through the kindly assistance of several members of
the Board of Education and the Grove City National Bank a set of
standard, silver plated instruments were bought from the Buescher
Company by July, 1917 Many members of the band bought instruments of
their own, many of which were ordered by the principal and paid for in
installments to suit the convenience of the boys. The band as organized
at present [1924] owns twenty-two instruments, mostly the larger horns
and drums. Through the kindness of the Grove City Commercial Club
uniforms were purchased for the band in the spring of 1918.
Up
to the present school year the Boys’ Band had one or two practices
weekly in the evening, wholly voluntary and without school credit. At
present practice is held every day from 8:00 to 9:00 a. m. with
customary school credit for such work.
The Boys’ Band made its
first public appearance sometime in June, 1917 after a few weeks
practice. The boys thought they had mastered a simple march and were
anxious to let others know. They gathered under the light at the
entrance of the College Administration Building and “let ‘er go !“ One
can easily imagine the result. Whether the neighbors or the boys were
scared the most is hard to tell.
On July 4, 1917 with their new
instruments, proud as peacocks the boys strutted out the Mercer road
and—well—were heard at the George Junior Annual Reunion. Since then the
Boys’ Band has been on duty at all times and for every occasion in the
home town. They took part in all nearby towns and cities in the
patriotic parades during the War. They have filled many engagements at
fairs, reunions, and picnics.
The Boys’ Band of the Grove City
High School was probably the first school band in Western
Pennsylvania. Since the organization in 1917 more than a hundred boys
have been members of the band at one time or another, the older boys on
graduating, making place for younger boys. Many of these older boys
help the band out at various times when needed. Even though no longer
belonging they feel kindly towards their band. At present [1924] the
band has 37 members. The highest number at any time was 49.
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