By KAREN MARSHALL
WAKEFIELD — For the third consecutive year, the Wakefield Warrior Marching Band has taken home first place at the New England Scholastic Band Association (NESBA) Finals. Thirty-five bands competed in last weekend’s championship event with Wakefield topping Division 5 and earning a gasp-inducing score of 97.89, a record high for the program. The victory capped off an undefeated season, solidifying Wakefield’s standing as the band to beat across New England.
Wakefield High School Principal Amy McLeod says the entire school community is bursting with pride. “Winning the state finals for the third year in a row is a phenomenal accomplishment that reflects countless hours of commitment, teamwork and passion,” said McLeod. “Their success demonstrates how hard work, consistent effort and dedication really pay off.”
“This year’s show Gatsby was fantastic,” says McLeod, “probably one of the best high school shows I have ever seen.”
The band’s success has also earned broader recognition. McLeod along with Visual and Performing Arts Director Tom Bankert was interviewed by Boston 25 News which featured the band’s championship win and a short interview with the band’s student section leaders in its nightly newscast. “It’s exciting to see their accomplishment celebrated by the whole community,” McLeod said.
In addition, the Warrior Marching Band earned high caption awards in Visual Performance, Music Performance, Color Guard and Percussion.
McLeod says the program’s success reflects the district’s belief in supporting the whole student.
“Music education teaches discipline, creativity and collaboration, skills that are essential to lifelong learning,” she said. “The success of the Warrior Marching Band is the culmination of this work. “She added that it truly takes a village. “A whole community of folks comes together to help our students be successful. Congratulations to Mr. Bankert, his staff and the entire Warrior Marching Band!”