3/1/07

At MHS band reunion, it’s ‘Mr. Olin’s Opus’ all over again
By Brian Jarvis

BRIAN JARVIS/Manning Times
Once more, with feeling, former Manning High band director George Olin leads both the current band and his reuniting students in the Manning High Fight Song.

America’s early trials with integrating public schools recall disturbing images – threats, violence, street protests, rocks thrown at buses, white flight to the suburbs followed by hastily constructed private schools.

In Manning, however, when Manning Training School merged with Manning High School in 1970, the transition stood in stark contrast to newspaper headlines – smooth, peaceful and positive, thanks to the faculty of the era that include coaches John Thames and John Bassard as well as school publications head Marianne King.

But band director George Olin, the honoree of a recent reunion sponsored by former students from 1968-1985, was in a class all his own.

“I believed a reunion would be good for the Manning community, a symbol of how the races can come together for a common purpose,” said Susan Hovermale, class of 1973, who organized the event. “Black, white, poor, rich… We worked together as a unit.”

“This was long overdue,” agreed Raymond Richburg, class of 1974, now head of protective services in Columbia. “Many days we sweated out there, but we all got to know and appreciate each other. By the time fall started, we already knew one another. I couldn’t wait for sixth period to start rehearsing. We grew together, laughed together, protected and took care of each other.”

BRIAN JARVIS/Manning Times
Former bandleader George Olin shares a laugh at a reunion sponsored by his former MHS students. At right is his new bride, Maurine.

No band reunion would be complete without music; to the pleasant surprise of all, alumni brushed the dust off their instruments and joined the stage with current band members from Manning High School to play the school fight song under the direction of Ray Francis.

“I’ve never been able to let go of my trombone because it produced some of the most special memories of my life,” said Bertram Rantin, now a reporter for The State, who emceed the event.

“Mr. Olin was like a father to me,” added Ann Hinson-Nevins, class of 1972, now a school principal in North Carolina. “He was my hero and an incredible inspiration. Without him, I would have dropped out, but he motivated me to do a good job.”

Perhaps Debbie Clemons-Jordan, class of 1982, said it best: “Every child has a teacher that made them what they are today. For me, that teacher is Mr. Olin.”

No one seemed to enjoy the reunion as much as Olin himself, who shed more than one tear throughout the two-day event.

“It’s just unbelievable. My ‘kids’ are all grown up,” Olin said. “I’m so proud of you and the directions your lives have taken. I shouldn’t be surprised by your accomplishments because you’ve worked so hard.”

As a small-town band low on funds, Olin took pride as he recalled how his bands sweated through grueling summer days and outworked the competition through sheer perseverance.

“We beat Spartanburg and all the other hotshots, and it was a ball,” he said. “I know you remember the hot afternoons in uniform rooms, the sandwiches on the trips. It’s a real thrill to see all of you. So many of you brought so much joy into my life.”

Olin, still devoted to his craft, now plays clarinet for several bands in Tennessee and practices 2-3 hours a day.

“My life is rich and full of music, but I have to keep up with the college kids,” Olin laughed.