Meridian High School - Meri Dian Yearbook (Meridian, MS)

Page 92 text:

5 xx i- ll f fi ' ' VJL, ,, ,,. ua v C ,i l .ff i . ,:- it -f ,A K , J 4 , , REED CARTER'S ORCHESTRA ln 1934 Reed Carter organized an orchestra of nine pieces. Immediately winning favor of the student body, the orchestra is now composed of fifteen members who are known as Butch and His Boys . Members of the present orchestra include Russe'l Sessions, Horace McGee. james Quinnelly, Isadore Dravin, Torris Brand, A. B. Crenshaw, Cliff Cameron, Billy Colston, Lloyd Pinkston, R. V. Brand, Ben Oliver Key, Orin Matthews, Clyde Rogers, Frank Parke, and Louis Dravin, dancer. Benefit and assembly performances and music for dramatic plays have been included in the program of the orchestra since its organization. Their earnest cooperation in all activities of MHS in which their services are needed has en- deared them to the hearts of every student. In 1936 Butch and His Boys were winners of an amateur contest which was sponsored by the Strand Theater and which included surrounding counties. Reed Carter has also been a member of the Meridian Boys' Band for seven years and is assistant director of the band. Other organizations might well profit by the spirit of loyalty, and coopera- tion shown by Butch and His Boys . They have stuck by the school in all un- dertakings and their interest in assembly programs is unsurpassed. Through his kindness and unselfishness Reed enabled the Seniors to raise a large portion of the money for the annual by giving specially prepared programs. 88

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lirout mu: 'liom Beamon, Pat Henry, Stanley Henry, Van Dorn Mclilwec, I.. M. Yarbrough, NV. M. Clhisolm, Spiro Spirson. Srrmlil ron: Henry Nabors, Rayford Rogers, Alav Cross, Lamar Young, XVilli.nn bruce, Alohnny lranlt Alexander, Uelwin Thigpen. Tfvirif rout l.a Noyette Mayo, klanies long, Mr. lfrank Harmon, director, Charles Gibbins. Mrzrzflwi :ml in jvirlurv: Georgia Mae Brent, lzdith Marie Coats, Charles Bancroft, Harold Harris and Lewis Rothenberg, ORCHESTRA In the spring of 1936 the Meridian -Iunior-Senior High School Orchestra was assembled. This organiznation has rapidly advanced and during 1936-I937 has been composed of twenty-one musicians from Junior and Senior high schools. The orchestra is composed of a number of instruments which include a piano, eleven violins, two trumpets, a baritone, three clarinets, one oboe, and three percussions. Mr. Frank Harmon innovated the orchestra and has since been director. Mr. Harmon, who is also director of the junior and Senior High School choral clubs, came to Meridian in 1935. In the fall of 1936 he was appointed state music chairman of the Mississippi Education Association. He is also Secretary-Treas- urer of the M. E. A. Music Department. The junior-Senior Orchestra made its initial appearance in December at the city-wide Christmas sing. Assembly programs have featured its routine since that time. 87

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HIGH SCHOOL BAND One hundred forty-seven members are enrolled at the present in the Me- ridian Boys' Band, which was organized in 1929 with only thirty musicians. Ninety of the boys enrolled play in the regular concert band and fifty-seven are beginners. In 1931, two years after its organization, the band entered the state band contest. Since that time it has placed first four times. In 1936 it received a rating of superior, the highest rating possible for a class A band to attain. Mr. Howard Lane, a graduate of the Naval Conservatory of Music in Wfash- ington, has been director of the band since its organization. Mr. Lane was cho- sen director of the All-State Band in '33, '34 and '35 and also of the All-South- ern Band in New Orleans in 1935. Reed Carter, who was named assistant director in 1936, has served as drum- major since he joined the band in 1930. He became drum-major as a result of the vacancy left by Robert Blanks, who was the first drum-major of the Me- ridian Band. Officers of the Band are john M. Lawrence, Captaing Torris Brandg First Lieutenant: Lloyd Pinkston, Second Lieutenant. 89