Wooster High School's marching band steps into 86th year
"Seventy-six trombones hit the counterpoint,
While a hundred and ten coronets played the bridge.
To the rhythm of "arch," "arch," "arch,"
All the kids began to march
and they're marching still, right today!"
— Meredith Wilson in "Seventy-Six Trombones."
Wallace Franks organized the first official Wooster High School marching band in 1931. Fifty student musicians grade 7-12 participated in uniforms of white pants or skirt, white shirt, black bow tie, and black shoes and socks.
Franks was the school's music director for 19 years. The instrumental music program became a model used by schools throughout the state.
Flash forward to 1990. That's when Dan Adams joined the Wooster High School staff. He replied with a smile when asked his preferred title. "Band director or grand pooh-bah."
The current marching band is comprised of musicians grade 9-12 and is a compilation of three bands: freshman, concert and symphonic. The 2017-18 marching band has 175 members.
Marching band is a class that meets every day. During the fall there is an additional commitment of a two-week (three for new members) band camp prior to the start of school and five evening rehearsals during football season. And of course members must be present to perform at football games and other events.
"I think marching band makes a person better all around," said Wooster High School senior Sydney Graham, who plays flute in the marching band. "You learn skills for life. Reading music helps you appreciate it. And it's really nice to be able to play an instrument."
Senior Sarah Weeks plays one of the quintessential marching band instruments, the sousaphone. "I thought it would be cool. It's interesting, something different," Weeks said. "I enjoy it, and I enjoy the people."
Elisabeth Kille is another flutist. "You get to meet a whole bunch of new people," she said. "You're not just one person. You're part of a group, and you all have to work together. If one person doesn't do well, then everybody doesn't do well. It's team work."
Students expressed their appreciation for the band directors as well. Band instructors Diane Adams and Doug Bennett work with the marching band along with Dan Adams.
"The directors are really cool," Kille said.
Band uniforms have transformed a bit over the years, becoming both more formal and more relaxed. Current dress uniforms are 27 years old.
"The students and parents have done a great job of taking care of them," Dan Adams said.
Several years ago, in deference to the heat, a uniform of T-shirts and shorts was adopted for the Memorial Day Parade and Fair Day performances.
"Lately with the first football games being so hot, we've used them at some of the games as well," Dan Adams said.
He also explained that marching band is one component of Wooster High School's comprehensive band program that meets different needs than a traditional concert band.
"It often speaks to students in a different way," Dan Adams said. "The kinesthetics involved can have a powerful effect on internalizing music. Plus it's loads of fun."
The band relies on fundraisers to defray costs. This year three events will help to raise money toward a spring trip to Boston.
In the fall there will be a sale of apparel with the "Woo!" logo. In December there is the traditional pancake breakfast held every year prior to the community sing-a-long Tuba Christmas event.
In January the band's citrus sale is a great way to support the local music program.
The band plays on Friday nights at football games throughout the fall. Performances also will take place at the Massillon Band Show on Sept. 23 and the Marching Band Concert on Oct. 24.
The band will perform at Quincy Market in downtown Boston during spring break.
This spring's Boston trip is one of the trips the band takes every two years. In past years they have travelled to Disney World, Chicago, Toronto, New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C.
Dan Adams spoke of the heart and soul of the music program. "Wally Franks was the real father of the Wooster High School band program," he said. "We were so fortunate to have him come back and conduct at the 1993 reunion. His warmth as a person, sense of musicianship and appreciation for the history of the program were an inspiration for everyone, and especially for me. He helped me to appreciate the great foundations of our music program and what it means to be a part of something bigger than yourself."
"The band directors are amazing people," Graham said. "They help us through life. They are not just here for band; they're here for us."
For more information about the Wooster High School music program and marching band, visit www.whsmusic.nvi.net.