2016 Competition Season-in-Review

The Marching Colonels had a good afternoon at yesterday’s Cavalier Classic. In class 2A, we received an “Excellent” rating, 1st place drum major, and 1st place percussion. Our overall numerical score was 12 points higher than our previous competition. Our program continues to raise the level of expectations, striving to “beat ourselves” and produce high quality performances.

As we conclude our competitive season, I am grateful for our students. They made a weekly dedication to improvement and embraced challenges before them. To put our development in context, the 2015 Marching Band was 32 strong with 14 seniors. Our current roster of 44 is comprised of 26 new members. Nearly two-thirds of our ensemble went from no knowledge to award-winning performances in three months! Furthermore, veteran members only participated in one competition each in 2014 and 2015, and none in 2013. Everyone had to learn about the mechanics of band contests, from scoring to adjusting for performance conditions of a new venue.

Marching band is not simply one skill set, but dozens of large and small tasks that must be completed simultaneously by every individual. In 2017, our success will surely come faster and reach higher with the strong core of committed students who made such strides this year. I am very proud of these young musicians. It is my fervent hope they continue to develop a love of music and understand the enormous contribution their team makes to our school and its community.

I hope you will show the students your appreciation. In your congratulations, remind them to keep working hard; this marching season is only a small preview of our potential to achieve!

I would like to thank the Band Boosters who tirelessly support us at every event. I am appreciative to the band staff who provide individual assistance and instruction necessary for development. Also, my thanks to the William Fleming community, especially those members of the Fine Arts and music faculty who see first-hand the enormous amount of time and commitment required for those in our band.

If you are interested, there is a recap below of our competitive season for 2016. An electronic version is here. You can still see the Marching Colonels at the football game on November 4 and three parades.

Let us remember the work continues. Concert band is the lifeblood of our program. It helps to educate and produce musicians that make marching band possible. In every class rehearsal, students work to develop skills needed to perform interesting and engaging concert programs. This year, those programs will take us from Dickinson Auditorium all the way to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania in April 2017. Exciting things are ahead. Students: turn your excitement into motivation for what’s next. Parents, friends, families, staff: we hope you’ll join us along the way!

With sincere appreciation,

Mr. Stanley

WF Marching Colonels – 2016 Season-in-Review

October 1 - Music in the Castle Band Festival

Tennessee H.S., Bristol, TN

Class 1A (4 bands in class)