News

Wando High School Marching Band Triumphs with 15th 5A State Championship Win

Published

10 months ago

November 9, 2023

Press Release

WALTERBORO, SC – The Wando High School Marching Band added another remarkable chapter to its storied legacy on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Colleton County High School. Competing in the 5A category, which represents the largest high schools in South Carolina, Wando secured their 15th State Championship title in an event that featured a total of 22 bands from across the state.

In the Preliminary competition, Wando earned a Superior rating, claiming first place in the Lower State Championship, while James F. Byrnes Marching Band clinched the Upper State Championship. The top 12 scoring bands advanced to the Finals competition.

The Wando High School Marching Band delivered an outstanding performance during Finals, securing the top position with a score of 93.8 and earning all caption awards for High Music Performance, High Visual Performance, and High Overall Effect. James F. Byrnes High School followed with a score of 92.05. Other finalists included Clover High School (90.0), Summerville High School (88.4), and Boiling Springs High School (86.0).

Director, Bobby Lambert, expressed the group’s pride and gratitude, stating, “We are so proud of all of the students, staff, and parents for the Wando High School Marching Band. Whenever you do anything 15 times, it could appear to be a little common or not special. That is not the case with this show or this championship. This community came together to create a work of art that demonstrated passion and artistry. We hope always to represent Mt. Pleasant and Wando at the highest level.”

Growth, trust, and commitment are the keys to the success of Wando Bands, according to Associate Director Lanie Radecke. “We are incredibly proud of these young people. Their journey over the past few months has been one of growth through trust and unwavering commitment to excellence. The season culminated in a performance that was musical, artistic, and emotionally intelligent. The consistent pursuit of excellence over time is an intangible skill they will carry with them throughout their lives. We are excited to continue our year with chamber music, jazz band, winter guard, and concerts!”

Dr. Andrew Blair, the band’s new Associate Director in his first season, shared his excitement, ” My first semester at Wando High School, a place that’s renowned nationwide for its musical excellence, has been an exhilarating rollercoaster ride. Wando High School is a true musical haven, and I’ve been welcomed with open arms by an outstanding ensemble of students and colleagues who possess a passion for music and teaching that’s simply infectious. The atmosphere here is electric, and I’m absolutely thrilled to embark on this new chapter in my musical journey.”

Color Guard Director Brian Winn celebrates the band’s evolution, “I have been privileged to witness the transformative power of performance art within our color guard. This show was challenging, and the kids stepped up to meet and surpass our expectations. Winning the State championship is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the wonderful kids in our program, as well as the detail and artistry of the design team in putting together Axis Mundi. This collective spirit drives us to push boundaries and create visual experiences that resonate deeply with our audience.”

The 2023 show, “Axis Mundi,” created by program coordinator Michael Gray, explores the theme of finding one’s personal center and acting from that truth.

Wando High School Marching Band continues to evolve as a living, breathing entity of musical and marching arts excellence. The dedication, hard work, and passion of the students, staff, and parents involved in the Bands of Wando shine brightly, making each victory as special as the first.

The Bands of Wando is under the direction of Bobby Lambert, Lanie Radecke, Dr. Andrew Blair, and Brian Winn, with assistance from Michael Gray, Tim Cole, Dr. Justin Clarkson, Will Frankenberger, Andrew Kriska, John Houston, Zane Franco, Keilah Walker, Crysta Caldwell, Chris Alaniz, Vince Talbert, Ryan West, and Mason Malone. The band is under the field direction of drum majors Annabelle Twomey, Evan Furtaw, Olivia O’Reilly, and Brian Shaw.

The Bands of Wando include four concert bands, two jazz bands, a percussion ensemble, and Winter Guard programs in addition to its Marching Band and Color Guard. Though Wando’s marching band season has concluded, their four concert bands will perform a Fall Concert on Thursday, November 16, at 7 p.m. at the Wando High School Performing Arts Center.