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