1926 The very first Freshman Class entered Clay High School.

1929 The first performance of the Clay Orchestra was given at Whitmer High School.

1930 The Clay High School Orchestra led by Mr. Ralph Runyan consisted of 11 members: 6 violins, 1 cornet, 1 clarinet, 1 saxophone, 1 trombone and a piano.

1935 This was the first time a drum set is pictured with the orchestra.

1936 A string bass was added.

1937 The additions were: a banjo, a tuba and a French horn.

1938 Percussion was pictured as individual instruments. A mandolin, a piccolo and accordions were added.

1939 The orchestra had grown to 31 members.

1940 Alto horns were added. Band Members were pictured for the first time in uniforms consisting of a jacket, a cape, a hat and white pants.

1941 A female is pictured with the mace.

1942 For the first time the organization is listed as both Band and Orchestra.

1943 Wayne Bricker, later a band director, is listed as a Freshman.

1945 This year is the first record of the Band playing at a football game. Wayne Bricker was the drum major and Nancy Fox (Later Nancy Bricker and future band director) was a Freshman.

1948 Harold Will became band director. On Oct. 1, 1948 the band had their first performance in Clay Memorial Stadium.

1949 The band is pictured with their new green uniforms.

1950 Rolland Cox became the third band director.

1952 Jeanette Martin is pictured as the first female drum majorette.

1953 Nancy Fox Bricker became the fourth Clay Band Director. Band Parents Group was formed and the first Band Banquet was held. Lois Bury became the second female drum majorette.

1954 White belts and gloves were added to the green uniforms as well as plumes to the hats.

1955 The band had grown to 51 members. Charles Neal (future director) was a Freshman.

1957 Wayne Bricker became Band Director for one year while Nancy was on maternity leave.

1958 “Teach” (Nancy Bricker) returned as Band Director.

1960 The band increased to 80 marchers.

1961 There were no Freshmen as the 9th graders remained at Fassett and Eisenhower. The band stepped out in new uniforms trading the old itchy green for the new black ones with a white bib.

1967 Mid-first semester brought the death of our much beloved “Tech.” Mrs. Bricker served the district for 15 years. Bernard Falor served as interim director until Richard Martin was appointed as director second semester.

1968 Charles Neal became Band Director. The first “Dance Band” was formed.

1970 The new music wing was opened and named for Nancy Bricker.

1975 The Band was ranked among the top 6 in Ohio. Paul Deal became the assistant director.

1979 The Band participated in the halftime at Adrian College and in BGSU Band Day.

1980 The Band traveled to New York and Toronto. New uniforms were purchased for 102 students at a cost of $33,000.

1981 The after school “Stage Band” is first mentioned.

1982 The first citrus fruit sale fundraiser took place.

1984 The Band traveled to Washington DC and took second place at the Kings Dominion Music Festival.

1985 Drum Major Tom Pokornik ended the marching season by twirling a fire baton. This is the first mention of the Alumni Band.

1986 The CHS Band appeared on national TV at the Blossom Festival in Niagara Falls Canada.

1987 Brian Gyuras, future band director, graduated from Clay.

1988 Freshmen rejoined the Band as they moved back into the Clay.

1989 148 marchers performed at the UT Homecoming.

1991 Mr. Neal directed his 300th halftime show.

1992 In the fall the Ohio State Band came to Clay. The Alumni Band exceeded 200 members. On April 2 the Band had its first performance at Epcot.

1994 The Band received a Superior Rating at the Washington DC competition.

1995 The Band traveled to the Azalea Festival in Richmond VA and tied for Grand Champion.

1996 160 members marched at Disney as they have done every four years since.

1999 Mr. Neal retired handing the baton to Brian Gyuras.

2000 Once again the Band traveled to MGM Studios, Epcot, Cocoa Beach and The Magic Kingdom.

2003 The Toledo Holiday Parade was a highlight.

2006 The Drum Line made history by winning the “Drum Off” at the Waite Oil Barrel Game. Alison Williams became assistant band director.

2008 The Defiance Band Festival along with Disney were highlights. Vespers were cancelled due too adverse weather conditions.

2009 The Band took part in the Bowling Green Christmas Parade.

2010 Angela Reinhart became the assistant band director.

2011 The Band marched away with their 5th consecutive First Place trophy. The Band has won this honor many times in the past but not five times in a row.

2013 Joseph Kuzdzal became the band’s assistant director. New York trip was a highlight.

2015 At the invitation of Marcy Kaptur the Band played at a Naturalization Ceremony.

2016 Florida trip was a highlight

2019 Mr. Gyuras moved to Eisenhower to become their band director. Mr. Kuzdzal became band director at Clay High School.

2020 Band trip and alumni band were cancelled due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

2021 The symphonic band was invited to play at the Toledo Zoo Lights

2022 Clay Symphonic Band earned a 2 Excellent rating at the Class B level at the OMEA Large Group Competition. They also traveled to Chicago and performed at the Field Museum.