History and Legacy
Documented by Vincent J. Tornello, January 2025
Comprised of information provided by Mr. Sharon B. Hoose (Lane High School Band Director, 1941-1974) & Vincent J. Tornello (Charlottesville High School Band Director, 1974-2009)
The “Charlottesville High School Onward” has a rich history and is a symbol of tradition and school pride. Continuing through many generations, it serves as a shared celebration of Charlottesville High School’s legacy.
1948
Though it opened its doors in 1940, Lane High School did not have a fight song until 1948, when the school announced a contest for song proposals. The band director at the time, Mr. Sharon B. Hoose, created a reference example for the contest by using the march “Rifle Rangers” by Karl King. Mr. Hoose used the full length of the march with lyrics for the 1st and 2nd strains as well as the trio (i.e. the primary melody). After hearing Mr. Hoose’s sample, the school decided to forego the contest, and instead adopt his arrangement as the school fight song. It was named the “Lane High School Onward.”
1950
In the early 1950s, the first and second strains were removed, and only the trio remained as the fight song. This lasted until Lane High School closed its doors in the spring of 1974.
1974
In autumn of 1974 Charlottesville High School opened but the Lane High School fight song legacy continued. While the music remained unchanged, the lyrics were revised by CHS Band Director, Vincent J. Tornello. The title also changed from “Lane High School Onward” to “Charlottesville High School Onward.”
1980
In 1980, an updated, custom arrangement of “Charlottesville High School Onward” was completed by Vincent J. Tornello. This arrangement is still performed today.
1990
At the band program’s 50th Anniversary Concert, attended by both Lane and Charlottesville alumni, a proposal was made by Vincent Tornello that, in honor of Mr. Sharon B. Hoose (who had passed away in 1985), when performed, the first strain of the school song would be played slowly and unconducted. His
proposal was unanimously accepted by the alumni in attendance. Every concert performance of the school song by the CHS Band was performed in this style while Vincent Tornello was director. Mr. Tornello’s final spring concert in 2009 concluded in that fashion.
1993
The entire Rifle Rangers March (including the school fight song from the trio), was performed by the CHS Marching Knights at the Fiesta Bowl Parade, in Phoenix, AZ, broadcast on national television. It was special for those watching the broadcast back in Charlottesville to hear the fight song.
2024
In commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Charlottesville High School, a custom arrangement of “Charlottesville High School Onward” was completed by Vincent J. Tornello. The 50th Anniversary Ensemble of Band, Chorus and Orchestra performed the arrangement at the anniversary concert, on November 16, 2024, Vincent J. Tornello, conducting.