Saugus Historical Society Exhibit: A look back at the Saugus High School Band

By Joanie Allbee

The Saugus Historical Society September 13 meeting opened with President Laura Eisener’s presentation of the Saugus High School Band through the years. Janis Long shared a VHS tape that her father-in-law had taken of the 1971 band, which included his son Ronald Long (Janis’s future husband). In the video, the band could be heard playing music of many eras. Ronald was a drum major and Janis played the French horn as a member under Mr. Mitchell’s leadership. Laura narrated as photos of past bands and achievements were displayed on screen.

After the presentation, recollections of Jerome Mitchell’s band leading excellence, generosity and mentoring stories were shared with his family. Memories were flowing from past band members and the community who remembered the huge imprint Mitchell (fondly called by many the “Music Man of Saugus”) made on people’s hearts.

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