Burke High School
Band & Fine Arts History
Mr. David R. Hill, who became the school’s first Black principal in 1920, guided the institution through its early years.
Mr. Arthur David Greene, Sr., became the first male classroom teacher in the Charleston County School System. Appointed Vice-Principal of Burke in 1937, he also served as the school’s athletic and music director and wrote the words to the school’s Alma Mater.
Burke High School’s Fine Arts department saw major growth in 1941, establishing programs that helped shape the school's legacy and current traditions.
Mr. Ernest A. Roper organized the school’s first String Ensemble, consisting of 34 members. Mr. Eugene Hunt established the first Dramatic Club in 1941 and served as director of the school’s chorus.
Burke High School Band's history dates back to 1941 when it was founded with just 10 members, under the leadership of Toby Daniels (1941-1955). By 1945, the band had doubled in size, highlighting the increasing interest among students. A few years later, in 1949, the band received its first uniforms.
Mr. Aaron Harvey took over as band director after Toby Daniels, followed by Mr. Melvin Hodges. During Hodges' tenure in 1963, the PTA and student body sponsored new uniforms for the band.
Under the leadership of Mr. Franklin Perry and Mr. Benjamin Brockington, the Burke High School Band achieved statewide recognition, earning the title of Crown State Champions in both 1969 and 1970.
In 1979, Mr. Linard McCloud, a 1972 graduate of Burke, was appointed Band Master. Mr. McCloud pursued a career in music education, earning his B.S. from Florida A&M University and later obtaining his M.A. in Music Education from the University of Iowa.
Under his leadership for almost five decades, and with several million dollars in college band scholarship offers earned by his students over the years, the band program continues to flourish. Burke's concert band has successfully earned a "Superior with Distinction" rating at the 2024-2025 Concert Band Festival.
In 1996, the “Charisma” dance line was established and made its debut during homecoming that year. In 1999, the flag corps section was renamed the “T.C. Brigade” in honor of Tiffany Christopher, a 1999 graduate.
Over the decades, many dedicated educators and directors have shaped the Burke High School Fine Arts experience for their students and the community. Their leadership and dedication have ensured that the programs remain vital to the school’s tradition of excellence in the arts.
Burke High School history begins in 1894, Reverend John L. Dart created the "Charleston Industrial Institute", providing both academic and vocational training for African American students. In 1910, it became the "Charleston Colored Industrial School", and in 1921, it was renamed "Burke Industrial School". The school became "Burke High School" in 1947 when it transitioned from an industrial-focused curriculum to a comprehensive high school program.
The first Black principal of Burke Industrial School in 1920.
Orchestrated by the Burke High School Class of 2016
Burke High School history begins in 1894, Reverend John L. Dart created the "Charleston Industrial Institute", providing both academic and vocational training for African American students. In 1910, it became the "Charleston Colored Industrial School", and in 1921, it was renamed "Burke Industrial School". The school became "Burke High School" in 1947 when it transitioned from an industrial-focused curriculum to a comprehensive high school program.