Grove High School ~ 1968 ~ 1944 Band

THE 1944 BAND WAS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF PFC CHARLES FARMER
(Note: Private First Class Farmer is in the top row, 1st from left, in U.S. Army uniform.)

Before 1939, the only band of students was sponsored by different clubs throughout the town. The Paris City Schools took control of the band at this time and put it under the leadership of T. J. Byrnes. The band was known as the Paris School Band and was comprised of students of grades seven and eight at Atkins-Porter Elementary and those of Grove High School. In 1942 Mr. Byrnes went into the service and the band was carried through until 1944 by different sponsors. In 1944 a PFC, Charles Farmer, from Camp Tyson Military Band, directed the Paris Band. From the time Mr. Byrnes left to when the band ceased to function in the fall of '44, no new members were taken in. By the time the band was revived in '47 only two members were left. Mr. Joe Ed Casey was one of these members.