Honoring the life and legacy of Dr. George E. Allen, the longtime leader of the Arts and Music Program at Overbrook High School.

Honoring the life and legacy of Dr. George E. Allen, the longtime leader of the Arts and Music Program at Overbrook High School. WHEREAS, Dr. George E. Allen grew up in west and southwest Philadelphia and was a proud graduate of the Philadelphia public school system; and WHEREAS, Music was a deeply influential part of Dr. Allen’s life. He started taking piano lessons from a local music teacher, and he took clarinet lessons while at Brooks Elementary School. While in school, Dr. Allen was first chair in the district and all-state band as well as the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra. Dr. Allen attended Shoemaker Junior High School before attending Overbrook High School. When he graduated from Overbrook, he earned a diploma in academic music; and WHEREAS, Throughout his childhood, Dr. Allen would frequently immerse himself in Philadelphia’s music culture. He would have clarinet practice on Saturday mornings, listen to the metropolitan opera in the afternoons and attend a concert at the Philadelphia orchestra on the weekends; and WHEREAS, After graduating from Overbrook (Class of 1954), Dr. Allen attended West Chester State Teachers College where he enjoyed playing on the University basketball team; and WHEREAS, After graduating from West Chester, he became a teacher for the School District of Philadelphia. He was the first African American to teach instrumental music in any high school in the School District. He was a faithful teacher for 30 years and during that time he served as t…