The History of the Urbana High School Marching Band

It was under the direction of E.L. Smith in 1924 that the Urbana High School Band became the Urbana High School Marching Band when they added a swing step, which was then commonly used by our country’s military bands.

Professor Eugene Russell soon followed Mr. Smith. He attended every Ohio State football game taking in each marching band show on those long ago Saturday afternoons. Our Urbana High School Marching Band would then perform the same routine the following Friday evening. In the 1930’s by a vote of the Urbana School Board, the marching band became integrated. In 1935 that four females were added and allowed to march. It was also during this period that our band members received their first uniforms along with capes fashioned by the band mothers.

The World War II era brought director Carol Long to our district. It was he who wrote “Fight on Urbana” which we still listen to every Friday night during the pre-game show.

Band director Dan Baker soon followed. Using the style made famous by the Ohio State Buckeyes, he developed the pre-game show that has been with us for over the past half century.

Then in 1954 we were joined by a recent graduate of Ohio State University and a veteran of World War II, Robert K. Martin. Over the next three decades, Mr. Martin redefined and made full the style that is the Urbana High School Marching Band.

In 1995, we were joined by a graduate of Wright State University. David M. Sapp has continued the tradition that is our Urbana High School Marching Band.

For over 80 years our Urbana High School Marching Band has been a proud part of our Urbana City School District.

This history lesson is the result of information compiled by Mr. Jim Arter and graciously provided by the following individuals:

If you would like to contribute additional historical information, please feel free to e-mail the webmaster!

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