Motto - Excellence through Class, Style, and Pride
A Proud Tradition
Since 1984, students from grades 8 through 12 have enthusiastically participated in one of the most successful and acclaimed high school field band marching units in the nation. Together, students who are musicians, color guard, and technical assistants, along with a dedicated staff, supportive parents and community, have experienced success and recognition. Over the years, the band has won field band competitions from Massachusetts to Arizona. They have been state field band champions, and finished among the top twelve high school field bands in the country at national competitions on several occasions. The band has participated in parade shows from New York to Florida to Arizona. Although the long list of prestigious accomplishments may be impressive, the real goal of the organization is to constantly strive for the ideas embodied in the band's motto of Excellence through Class, Style, and Pride.
Class is the quality that each band member exhibits at practice, on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. It is the quality that audiences sense when the see Webster Marching Band members spontaneously and warmly congratulating band members from other bands. It is also the unassuming strength each band member nurtures as they learn and grow with every experience. Class is the positive manner by which band members serve as ambassadors of the Webster community in their travels.
Style is the quality of the field program the band performs. The marching band takes pride in the performance of challenging arrangements of music, including beautifully scored classical pieces. It is the style that brings quality to execution of elaborate and equally challenging drills. Audiences are awed by the power and richness of the music and the beauty and creativity of the visual presentation. The performance blends precision with flare. Field band marching is a unique American art form for which the band has a national reputation. Style also describes the energy and enthusiasm that swells from the band as it marches in parades. The excitement of a parade stirs the heart and brings smiles to everyone who witnesses this traditional form of entertainment. Whether a field show or a parade, the marching band does it with style.
Pride is the quality seen in the band members as they measure their success in terms of improvement. Championships, honors, awards, and recognition are the fruits of a commitment to improve. Pride is evidenced by the deeper appreciation gained from contributing to a team in achieving a goal. It is seen on the field when band members know they have performed their best and feel the rush of satisfaction. Pride is the intangible chemistry that permeates the relationship among the marching band members as they perform.
Being Part of the Tradition
The Webster High School Marching Band welcomes any student who is willing to put forth the effort and dedication to contribute to the Class, Style, and Pride tradition. Whether marching in a parade or performing on the field, the effectiveness of the marching band is as good as the collective skills and efforts of its members. Excellence is the product of valuing every member's contribution. Marching band members experience the excitement of a parade with its fanfare and colorful display. There is also the impressive field program; an art form that blends music, dance, and theater. Field band marching is a singular expression of a theme performed by an ensemble.
The lessons learned from the marching band experience have life-long applications. Band members learn about commitment, the rewards of effort, the joy of friendship, and the importance of cooperation. Band members share experiences with others who share these common values. They learn with the guidance and assistance of a talented and dedicated staff. In addition, band members see the supportive commitment of their parents who form the backbone of an active and energetic booster organization.
The lessons learned from marching band go beyond the practice and competition field. Band members work together to raise funds for their activities, which have included car washes, candy sales, pizza sales, and bottle & can drives. They are supported by the Webster community through the booster organization efforts and the assistance of the school district.
Beyond the Tradition
There is much more to the typical band member than marching, playing, and performing. Band members are varsity athletes, club members, participate in school government and intramurals. It is likely to see a majority of band members on the honor rolls, and many are recognized for their academic achievement, as in the National Honor Society. In addition, band members are involved in youth and community groups, including the Rochester Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, and many hold part-time jobs. They are responsible citizens of their school and community. After graduation, most marching band members attend colleges and universities, and many point to their marching band experience as the highlight of their high school years.
More importantly, the friendships forged in marching band often continue after graduation. Being a member of the Webster High School Marching Band is a wonderful and rewarding experience.