Band marches to state win
Wando High takes state title with Prometheus program
Wando High takes state title with Prometheus program
Make that title No. 3 for the Wando High School marching band.
The band won its third consecutive state 5A championship in Orangeburg on Saturday night behind a complex Greek mythology-themed program. Summerville High School came in second.
"It's unbelievable," said Mary Ruth Starr, who has two children in the band and serves as co-president of the band's booster club with husband Chris. "We're still kind of floating on cloud nine around here."
Wando scored first in every category in the final round, despite a subpar preliminary performance, band director Scott Rush said. The 5A class comprises the 16 largest high schools in the state.
"The students knew after prelims that they didn't do a great job, but they came back at night and had a very inspiring performance," Rush said.
The program, "Promethean Dreams," loosely follows the myth of Prometheus, the Greek mythological figure who suffered the wrath of Zeus for bringing fire to humans. Prometheus was bound to Mount Caucasus, where an eagle would eat his liver each day. The organ would grow back each night only to be eaten again the next day.
Starr said the music and routine are so complex, it makes the school hard to beat. "The marching is just constantly moving. I really don't know how they do it."
Rush said the program is one of the most complex performed by any high school in the country. "This performance was definitely the hardest show we've put together," he said. "We hold them to a high standard with everything they do."
The 235 students were up to the challenge, starting with 13-hour practice days this summer.
The band recently finished third overall in the Bands of America Regional Competition in St. Petersburg, Fla.
"I have some of the best students in the world, and I really enjoy getting up in the morning and going to work," Rush said. "The students make it that way."
Rush thanked the parents and the school for supporting the students and the program.
"We can't have the successes we have without everyone working together," he said.
Wando High Principal Lucy Beckham said it takes time, energy and financial support to put together a winning program. "It was such a thrill to see our students succeed after so much hard work and dedication," she said.
It was a successful weekend for the entire school. The girls' tennis and boys' cross country programs also took home state titles.
Reach Andy Paras at aparas@postandcourier.com or 745-5891.
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Comments
SuzieQJones (anonymous) says...
Brava! Brava!
November 5, 2007 at 7:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
afternoondelight (anonymous) says...
GO WANDO!!!!!!
November 5, 2007 at 9:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
as a Stratford band parent i applaud ALL students who work long and hard to make their bands the best it could be.
kudos to Wando, their performance was awesome and spectacular and the championship title was well earned.
and KUDOS to all students who participate in band programs, those band nerds are wonderful students who will hopefully carry on the traditions of discipline and espirit de corps.
November 5, 2007 at 9:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nochasmom (anonymous) says...
Congratulations Wando Band!!!
November 5, 2007 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
Congrats to all that participated in this tough competition.
GO WANDO!
November 5, 2007 at 11:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wandoworrier (anonymous) says...
Your halftime show is FABULOUS! However next year, though, please play some better tunes during the games. Your fans are sick and tired of Stevie Wonder hits and Hey Hey Baby. Please play some current hits, and by the way, the football team could use a pep band during the third quarter, but you guys are always on break. I don't know why you always take so long to get back in your seats after the halftime show. Sometimes I wonder what your real function is at the games anyway. Is it just for your halftime performance and to practice for your next competition or are you there to add pep and spirit to help the football team during the WHOLE game? I don't know, but if it is just to hone your skills for your next competition, well then please send a pep band that is willing to try to play during the whole game instead of one that is only there for part of it. Oh, congratulations on your state title. I don't want you to think that I don't appreciate your talent and hard work. You are really great and I wish you were there for the whole game.that's all. the team had a very tough year and the parents did our best to cheer, with or without assistance from the band. In the last two games, the parents had to start their own cheers because the cheerleaders were just dancing to Stevie Wonder's "I wish those days..." or doing cheers that didn't have anything to do with the game. Come on, your purpose is to help the team, not highlight yourselves.
November 7, 2007 at 10:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AuntBea (anonymous) says...
Wandoworrier,
Perhaps you should write to Mr. Rush (the Wando Band Director) with your suggestion instead of bashing the wonderful young people who may read your post. The band students don't get to pick what songs are played or if and when they get breaks during a football game.
Wando Band,
I saw your show and it was absolutely beautiful. Congratulations and best wishes for a wonderful performance in Chicago later this year.
AuntBea (a Summerville Band Parent)
November 7, 2007 at 10:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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