Ralph Wallingford graduated from Bethany College,
where he performed the first trumpet parts for the annual
Messiah production. He began his professional career
in Oklahoma as an instrument music teacher. In 1932,
Wallingford took a teaching position in El Dorado, a
tenure that lasted until 1967. He was instrumental
instructor in the elementary and junior high school and
directed bands and orchestra at the high school and
junior college.