Published Monday, Aug. 23, 1999 High winds and rain from Hurricane Hugo passed through the area that night, blasting Hickory's football field during the band's 50th reunion. "It was absolutely miserable out," said band director Steve Garay.
The storm left a wet field for alumni band members, who had gathered for the Sharon-Hickory football game. But it didn't dampen the spirits of those in attendance.
Of the 32 members in Hickory's original band, 24 showed up, including Jack DeVenney, the band's first drum major, and Fred Boles, a former clarinet player.
Despite the weather, band members marched on, wearing rain coats and hats. "Jack brought the house down" with his routine, Boles said.
Boles, like DeVenney, was one of the original members of the Hickory band, starting when he was in sixth grade.
The group was small but tough competition for bigger bands from Pittsburgh, he said, adding that at the time many band members, including himself, also were on basketball and/or football teams.
"At halftime, we'd change clothes to play," he laughed.
Boles, who was band director for Sharon High School for 30 years, said many people in the area started their music careers at Hickory.
He attributed much of the success to Hickory's first band director Louis Cohen, who got the marching band up and running.
"He lived for the band," Boles said. "He would have private lessons in his home. He was a 24-hour-a-day music teacher."
"Cohen wouldn't take no for an answer," Boles said.
Garay said a small music education fund was started to help pay for a music book each year for a student band member. He hopes to raise contributions at the upcoming reunion to continue that fund.
Past members of the Hornet Band are encouraged to attend the reunion at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17 at Hickory High Stadium.
The alumni band will be featured on the field with the 196-member 1999 marching band. Band alumni are welcome to bring their instruments, pompoms, flags or batons.
The event is to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the band and to recognize past directors who helped develop the tradition of the band. The reunion is not just for musicians; it will include former dancers and twirlers as well.
Garay said those who attend will have a chance to tour former school buildings and to see plans for the renovation of Hickory High School, which is to include the auditorium and music wing.
DeVenney may host twirling lessons that day as well.
Band alumni wishing to attend the reunion should send a note with their name, address, phone, year of graduation and former position or instrument to: HHS Alumni Band, Hickory High School, in care of Steve Garay, 640 N. Hermitage Road, Hermitage. 16148. The deadline for responses is Sept. 3. For more information, call Garay at (724) 981-8750.
