Alma Mater

Underneath the old oak trees,
Where the breezes sigh.

Loveliest of our memories,
Tuscaloosa High,

T.H.S., T.H.S.,

We are all for you

We will ever sing thy praise;

To you we'll e'er be true.

Lyrics by: Sara Ann Duran

 Tune: Traditional "Aura Lee"

Arrangement by: Col. Carlton K. Butler

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In 1940, Colonel Carleton K. Butler, director of the University of Alabama, "Million Dollar Band", was also the Tuscaloosa High School, "Black Bear Band" director.

The tune of the T.H.S. Alma Mater was then, the same as that the U of A uses. Many other schools also used this tune,"Annie Lisle". Cornell University claims to be the first to use the tune in "Far Above Cayuga's Waters".  Col. Butler felt that T.H.S. should have a distinctive tune and convinced officials to make a change.

"Underneath the Old Oak Trees" was adopted as the T.H.S. Alma Mater in 1940. Col. Butler set Miss Duren's words to music using  the traditional tune "Aura Lee". (In the late fifties Elvis Presley made the tune familiar to the public as "Love Me Tender".)

Sara Ann Duren was the daughter of  James R. and Hattie D. Duren of 12th Street, Tuscaloosa.  Sara Duren died of an asthmatic attack November 6, 1941 at age sixteen, before she could graduate from T.H.S. She now rests in Evergreen Cemetery at 12th Street, Tuscaloosa, near a row of oak trees.