Paul R. Chilen began his involvement in school music
after 1903 when he was teaching vocational agriculture
in Solomon, Kansas. As the Great Depression resulted
in widespread unemployment in rural Kansas, Mr. Chilen
became involved in teaching music to members of the
community and eventually led the instrumental music
program in the public school. He studied violin with
Arthur Uhe of Bethany College, and many of his
students received favorable notices at annual music
contests. Chilen was active in organizing the Future
Farmers of America Show Band. During World War II,
he was involved in the Good Production War Training
Program.