History of the Flash of Crimson!
For those of you who do not know, the Flash of Crimson is an institution in Forsyth County, GA. This high school band has been around since 1956 and is rich in history!
We are still piecing together this long history and ask that you send any stories, pictures, or information you may have to: information@FOCBoosters.org.
Forsyth Central High School
Originally named Forsyth County High School, the school opened in 1955 with 429 students. At the time, it was the only high school in the county. Since then, 23 renovations and additions have been completed on the campus, including adding the original Otwell Middle school building to the high school’s campus.
The school’s first principal was Mr. Clarence Lambert.
With the opening of South Forsyth and North Forsyth high schools, the name of the school was changed to Forsyth Central High School in 1989.
Named after the county in which it is located, Forsyth County was named for John Forsyth, Governor of Georgia from 1827-29 and Secretary of State under Presidents Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren.
Before they were known as the Flash of Crimson, the Forsyth County (now Central) High School band started in 1956 with Mr. Henry J. Presutti as the Band Director.
The original 25 band members were:
Ronnie Williams, Herman Heard, Michael Samples, Tommie Bledso, Sandra Jackson, Betty June Blaccstock, Becky Reid, Gail Day, Elspeth Welch, Bette Swarthwood, Velma Henderson, Jo Ann Ware, Sula Echols, Mary Kathryn Roper, Joanne Brooks, Don Wills, Morris McClure, Kenneth Conner, Joy Housley, Carolyn Pulliam, Allen McClure, Phil Bramblett, Alton Christopher, Carl Lynn Ware, and Remelba Bramblett.
The population of Forsyth County back then was less than 15,000, with less than 2,500 in the town of Cumming.
In 1960, the Band Director changed to Mr. Sheldon Morganstern from Greensboro, N.C. While band director, he also played french horn in the Atlanta Symphony.
Forsyth Central High School BAND
1961 Band with their new uniform.
26 Band members:
Pat Heard, Pat Otwell, Linda Boling, Libby Keowin, Herry Mundy, Martha Rickles, Debra Stancil, Donnie Watson, Linda Ingram, Betty Forrest, Deannie Otwell, Patsy Bramblett, Mary Helen Mashburn, Michael Echols, Buddy Yarbrough, Gary Corn, Keith Howell, Aaron Sexton, Wayne Bennett, Michael Gravitt, Patricia Howell, Elaine Coots, George McKenzie, Paula Heard, George Emory.
Director Mr. Sheldon Morgenstern
What’s in a name?
The “Flash of Crimson” name didn’t exist until 1967, when a new band director, Alonzo “Lon” Turner, Jr, and his wife wanted to create a sense of pride and lots of spirit.
They wanted to give the band a name that would “create a stir, make people raise their eyebrows and perk up their ears!”
Now the noble Bulldog is not to be scorned or scoffed at, but it is not exactly the name that evokes visions of crashing cymbals or rhythmic sounds of a marching band.
They started with the letters “F” and “C” (for Forsyth County). Then they remembered a march called “Flash of Crimson”. Add the red uniforms and the rest is history.
Just try saying “THE FORSYTH CENTRAL FLASH OF CRIMSON MARCHING BAND” without sounding impressive!
Come on chant it with me… This chant, still done before every game, started over 30 years ago!
“F, F… FOC; O, O…OCF; C, C…FOC; Flash of Crimson Band. FOC!”
Flash of Crimson at practice – 1967
FOC Band 1967
Alonzo “Lon” Turner, FOC Band Director, 1967
Mr. Turner (June 15, 1930 – April 27, 2004) began playing trumpet at the age of five and worked with many prestigious performers during his career, including Henry Mancini, Johnny Mathis, Liberace, Brenda Lee, Lou Rawls, Tom Jones, and Ray Charles, as well as local jazz legend Duke Pearson.
Before retirement, he played in various ensembles with Erv Hinkle and Carol Batten. Additionally, collaborated and performed with Ted Howe on Lon’s final album, “Longitude”.
Mr. Turner was also a renowned high school band director and private music instructor and leaves behind a long legacy of remarkable achievements made by his former students of schools throughout the state of GA.
Dwight Porter, Drum Major, 1967
Dwight (an excellent saxophonist) brought something seldom seen at the time in high school bands, a Drum Major with flair and showmanship. He brought that extra desire to be excellent, pride and loyalty. And he added to the first class performance of the Flash of Crimson.
The Red Peppers
In 1967, Mr. Turner created a pep band to play at basketball games and other functions where a “large” band was not practical.
The pep band was named the “Red Peppers” and played at events all over the county and the state!
Above, they are playing on September 24th, 1969 for the 5th birthday of the Forsyth County Bank. Members were: Shelly Turner, Angela Bagley, Keith Sewell, Scotty Gravitt, Jimmy Carnes, John Mize, Lowell Corn, Robert Roper, Wyatt Willingham, Phyllis Martin, Vickie McGinnis, and Sheila Hulsey.
Below they are playing at the annual Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce meeting.
A message from Lon Turner’s daughter:
Lisa Jo Cash, the daughter of Lon Turner sent us this message. Thank you Mrs. Cash!
“Hello from Mr. & Mrs. T’s daughter number two. (Shelly Green is the other daughter)
Our father, Lon Turner, was the reason there was ever a high school band called “The Flash of Crimson” in Forsyth County, starting in 1967. He and my mother created the name, the logo, and back then, the majorette uniforms were hand-made with thousands of sequins by a little lady named Mrs. Nix, who lived in a small apartment in town behind what is now Leonard’s Farmer’s Market.
We wore wool uniforms; marched in moving formations designed by my dad; won many awards and acknowledgments; and lost many beloved members in ways that no young person should perish.
Now, when we ride through town, we see streets named after Larry Mulkey (former drum major), Ernie Phillips (tuba), and Melody Mizer (my best friend, who could juggle three fire batons like nobody’s business), to name a few. Our father was also a professional jazz trumpet player by night, and brought that expertise to the band and his little jazz band he called The Red Peppers. They played often at Braves Games and other special events and yes, Jeffrey Stancil, Ernie Phillips, Lowell Corn, Rafael Picklesimer, and a few others were members. All the while, our mother, Joyce Turner (later to be Joyce Jordan, or “JJ”), worked as a Disc Jockey at WSNE and the Forsyth County News, promoting the band with her own talents.
Back then, young people were respectful and very invested in their music and their membership in the band. There was one hard and fast rule — if you were gonna pick a fight with anyone at a football game, you’d better not be wearing a Flash of Crimson uniform when you did! I won’t be participating in the reunion — I long ago set aside my oboe and my bells to take up singing, but this is a fun (and I hope successful) idea. Our father passed away in April 2004, having just visited Melody before she died of cancer just a few weeks prior. He loved that band and every student in it. Together, my parents devoted many years to the reputation and respect that the Flash of Crimson elicited from dignitaries to regular folks, and my memories are filled with concerts, marching routines, laughter, names, faces, and most of all, MUSIC from those days.
You young kids out there — keep real music alive, because there’s no substitute. God bless” — Lisa Jo (Turner) Cash.
The images above are from the Forsyth County News, November 9, 1967, introducing the new name “Flash of Crimson” and the new band director Lon Turner.
Three pages dedicated just to the high school band!
The Red Peppers
Forsyth County High School Jazz and Pep Band
Forsyth County News – 1976
The Red Peppers playing at the opening day for GA 400! Spring, 1978. 50 yards north of what is now exit 14.
The Red Peppers performing with Guy Sharpe (famous Atlanta weatherman). circa 1970’s.
The Flash of Crimson Logo
The original FOC logo was created at about the same time as the name. Since then it has undergone a few changes with the most current occurring this year!
Original design created by Mr. and Mrs. Turner around 1967.
This was created by hand, needlepoint I believe.
The next version shortly after the first!
The design was updated. Date and artist unknown.
Another update. Date and artist unknown.
The most recent version was launched in 2022. More info coming soon.
MORE TO COME!
Please send any information, stories and/or pictures to information@FOCBoosters.org
Thank you!