Congratulations to the Walt Whitman High School Marching Band! They wrapped up their 2022 competitive season with a top five finish at the New York State Field Band Conference Championships at Syracuse University on October 30th. Our Wildcats came in 5th with their highest score of the season. This follows their previous top five finish last year when they placed third.
Band Director Greg Modelewski said it was their best competitive run of the season. “Performing under the pressure of the dome (Syracuse JMA Wireless Dome) is a challenge and the kids certainly gave their best effort. I felt really happy for all of them, especially the seniors.”
Marching band members can take a break now until parade season starts in the spring. But they have other opportunities to compete. Color Guard members, who use flags, mock rifles, sabres, and dance to enhance the music of a marching band show, have their own competitive season called Winter Guard. It starts in December and is open to all students grades 7-12.
For those musicians who love the percussive and drum elements of marching band, there’s Winter Percussion. That begins in January, and is open to any music student in grades 7-12.
For band director Modelewski, the work behind the scenes never ends. It’s already time to start thinking about next season. “I will begin researching new shows and concepts in the next couple of weeks and begin talking with my co-director and staff,” he said. And recruiting new members to replace the 16 seniors who will be leaving.
Drum Major and senior Victoria Pascrell, who joined marching band in 9th grade, recommends starting with Stimson Middle School’s band program, which allows some students to join the high school marching band in 8th grade. She urges, “Come to the Whitman marching band when you're in 8th grade and stay in it until you're a senior. It's such an incredible program where you’re able to hone your musical skills. You're also able to find a bunch of new friends and it's just an overall great experience that's really going to help you in the future.”
The Band wrapped up their 2022 competitive season with a top five finish at the New York State Field Band Conference Championships at Syracuse University.
Walt Whitman's Color Guard together after a great performance in Syracuse.
Drum Major and Walt Whitman High School Senior, Victoria Pascrell, kept the band in time with hourglass in hand.
What a memorable season!