The first orchestra was organized under the leadership
of Prof. R. G. Wood on September 16, 1924. The
orchestra consisted of 12 pieces for the advanced students and 14
pieces for the beginner students. The following
notation appears in the 1924 yearbook, written by Avanell Sherborne.
"Our aims are to develop our musical
talents, learn the simple rudiments of music, and to furnish a musical
organization for the school. This is the first orchestra Minford
High School has ever had; but some of its players have played in
other organizations in different neighborhoods and schools.
Music is an extra subject in our school. We meet twice a week
for practice. The orchestra has accomplished good work.
It has furnished music for the school entertainments and activities.
As the old adage says, 'Music washes away from the soul the dust
of everyday life,' and the same applies to our orchestra.
We enjoy getting to practice of an evening and to play for the school.
Two of our players that are in the graduating class will leave us
this year, but their places will not be left vacant. We also
have a beginners orchestra which ought to furnish some players for
next year.
Anyway music will always be music, and noise, noise at old Minford
High."
Below is a photo of the first orchestra:
1925 MHS Orchestra
Photo submitted by Kenneth Coles
Compliments of Dr. Dennis J. Meade
Left of piano:
Lowell Thompson, Lawrence Coriell, Jimmy Irwin, Howard Bennett,
Ralph Grimshaw, __________, Carl Rase, ________, Ralph Helt
In front of piano: Minta Irwin
Right of piano:
Tom Bennett, __________, Otis Newman, ___________, Roseanna Coles,
Elaine Allen
If anyone has information about the unidentified
persons in this photo, please contact: webmaster@minford.k12.oh.us