Holley was once a marching band powerhouse, a six-time state champ

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 16 June 2013 at 12:00 am

HOLLEY – In the 1950s, Ray Shahin started the first marching band at Holley Central School. In a few short years, he turned the band into one of the best in the state, and a source of community pride that endures today.

I was inside the Murray-Holley Historical Society’s Museum on Friday. Holley celebrated Flag Day with speeches and presentations from the museum, a former train depot. Relics from the band program’s heyday are displayed inside the museum, including a band uniform and the banner noting six state championships.

The marching band even spurred the community to start a municipal band. A drum from that band is displayed on a shelf in the museum.

Holley joined forces with Kendall this year for a school marching band. The group had a good year, and again is a source of community pride.