Band

By ALYSSA VERNATTER, Class of 2019

Music had been a part of Ironton City Schools since the District was founded in 1849. At
that time, students participated in vocal and small orchestral ensembles. The first marching and symphonic bands were founded in 1927. In fact, the first marching band performance was at the Southeastern Ohio track meet on May 3rd 1927 (considered the band’s birth date) and consisted of only 13 members. The band was founded by music teacher Harry F. Glore, who received his Masters of Music Education degree from the elite University of Cincinnati Conservatory of Music.

The band was dubbed "The Million Dollar Band"; by local radio broadcaster Clint McElroy,
Sr. in the mid-50’s when, as he provided the play-by-play calling at a football game, took notice of the band’s new uniforms and instruments, claiming that they looked like a million dollars. Such a title must be kept up as the band continues to evolve, in both numbers and ability. From the first band’s 13 members, participation grew steadily until the mid-1950s when it hit 120 members, then grew quickly under the direction of Mr. Ralph Falls in 1960s when membership peaked at 155. By the mid-70s Ironton High School had a Varsity Band, a Junior Varsity Band and a Cadet Band, all totaling about 400 members. By the early 2000s the band had shrunk to less than 50, but has risen to 120 members today.

The band is known for its high energy and showmanship. Major performances have
included occasions for four presidents, numerous times for the governors of both Ohio and
Kentucky, and a special performance on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Independence. Past performances have included at the Peach Bowl, Gator Bowl, Liberty Bowl, the NFL Kickoff Classic, and the Chicago Christmas Parade. The band also holds one of Southern Ohio’s premiere band contests: The Buckeye Classic. Major trips are taken as often as possible, where they perform at events across the East Coast including in New York, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Illinois.

In order to procure new instruments, uniforms, and travel the band fundraises year-round.
Some of the fundraisers include the annual fruit and fudge sales, Yankee Candle sales, car washes and various other events to help raise money. The band is also open to donations from the public.

Today, the band continues to honor its proud heritage and strives for excellence. The organization is guided by its core belief of PRIDE—Practice, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Excellence. The band is proud to represent the school and community and provide entertainment. Yearly performances include at parades, football games, basketball games, and other events totaling some 25 appearances. The marching band plays entertaining music in the style of R&B, old school rock, Motown, and popular songs of the year and season. The concert band plays a mix of cinema tunes, classical music and historic tunes, culminating in their annual Spring Concert the first week of May.
IHS First Band 1926-1927IHS Marching Band 2017-20182018-2019 IHS Band

IHS First Band 1926-1927

IHS Marching Band 2017-2018

2018-2019 IHS Band

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