Larry E. McGriff

I was in the MN band when he transferred in from Littlestown. SUCH a nice, hard-working guy who brought out the best in us, keeping us amused at times with witticisms from central PA, etc, (I guess)

Mr. McGriff taught us that the pursuit of excellence made one proud. He challenged us to be the best we could be. So on that June night in 1970 at Virginia Beach we won the Outstanding Band in Parade Award performing to....March Grandioso, of course! And because Mr. McGriff stressed to us the supreme importance of the contribution of each individual, over 50 years later that award remains one of the greatest thrills of my life. He was like no one else I ever met!!

I can't believe it's been a year already since Mr. McGriff's passing. I wanted to relate to everyone that I've started back playing flute again after 40 years! Playing in the Huntsville Concert Band! It's thrilling to be back playing again!

Mr. McGriff (I too cannot say Larry) was the greatest impact on my musical career. I started with Trumpet lessons in 6th grade both at his office at the High School and his home office, second floor, observable from outside on Eastburn Avenue. I live a few blocks away and always point out this room to my family when we pass by and can still smell the Cherry tobacco from his pipe.
"Band" life was my best memory of High School. His commitment to discipline and excellence was second to...

Roxanne & Gina & Wanda offer our sympathies for a life taken too young!

Mr McGriff, I wish that we could have had more marching opportunities, of which many hours were spent in practice so we could blow away the competition! I recall you saying so many times Katie bar the door!!. Yes, all those times I was sitting in the French Horn section, I was happy to be able to be part of such an amazing talented group of students. I will never forget how hard you worked to make us great as students, musicians, and especially decent individuals. Music was an essential part...

Simply said, Larry changed my life. He accepted me into the band as a junior with no experience playing a band instrument. He taught me enough French Horn to march with the great MN Senior High band and then in my college band too. I met my husband in that college band so, without Larry's faith in me I would not have my family. And then, he taught my son to play trumpet; what a thrill that was! Thank you Larry for your lessons of excellence, hard work, and caring. You were one in a...

Of all the teachers I've had he was the most compassionate; requiring self discipline and responsibility. I was a sophomore at MNHS when he first arrived. Because of his drive and love for music and his students, our band rose to excellence and I am personnally grateful for having known him.