History of the Band
The Beginning
The Thompson Band was organized in the fall of 1937 under the direction of Miss McNutt, with thirteen players. The Band played for a number of programs, at the teachers' meeting, P.T.A. meeting, and the 4-H Club rally.
The original members were as follows: Trumpets, L.W. Kendrick, Douglas Cofer, C.P. Walker and Talmadge Houston; Saxophones, Elizabeth and Shearer Hines; Alto horns, Walker Reach and Sonny Ruthledge; Trombones, Howard Boardhead and Ray Floyd Hinds; Clarinet, James Castleberry, Jr.; Baritone, Billy Evans; Bass Horn, Ampless Houston.
In 1938 they had all the players except Howard Broadhead, Sonny Ruthledge, and James Castleberry. During the year, however, Elizabeth and Shearer Hines left the band, leaving only eight players. The drums were added with Guy Allred playing the Snare drum, and William Bozeman, the Bass drum. As stated in 1938 by Ampless Houston, "We now have ten players and hope to add more next year."
-- contributed by Bobby Joe Seales
Thompson High School 1937
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