The Hallowed Halls of Rochelle: A History of the Music Program at Rochelle High School,Lakeland,Florida,1949–1969

Abstract

William A. Rochelle High School was a source of pride in Lakeland, Florida’s Black community and educated Black students from the Lakeland, FL area from 1928 until 1969. Graduates of Rochelle, a segregated all-Black high school, went on to become college professors, professional athletes, professional musicians, military officers, and much more. For Lakeland’s Black community, Rochelle High School was a shining example of Black excellence surrounded by a harsh and cruel racially segregated twentieth century American society. This article is a brief account of the William A. Rochelle High School music program. This history was compiled and pieced together through interviews with former students, a teacher, newspaper articles, yearbooks, and other historical documents mostly found within the local Lakeland and Polk County, Florida community. The narrative that follows describes a once dynamic and active music program with deep local roots, strong ties to Florida HBCU’s and that inspired pride, dedication, and discipline.