West Deptford Marching Band Kicks off 2012 Season Tuesday

The West Deptford High School music department submitted the following news release:

Coming off its second consecutive season as Atlantic Coast Champions, the West Deptford High School Marching Band is getting ready to launch their 2012 season.

On Tuesday, May 1, the band will hold what it refers to as its 2012 Kick-off Rehearsal. While the fall marching band season is months away, the band reorganizes in the spring to participate in the local Memorial Day festivities.

According to band director Thomas Kershaw, “This is a very special time of year for our marching band. We are able to welcome new members, including current 8th grade students, while at the same time provide our senior members their final performance opportunity.

"It’s great that we can have our most experienced students pass the torch to the next class of marching band members.” 

Senior and current drum major Michelle Cullen describes this time of year as sad, but bittersweet.

"It’s a great chance to get everyone together, but sad to know that this will be the last time this senior class is performing together.”

When asked about her proudest moments with the band, Michelle mentions, “our success, yes, but I am most proud of how close this group has become and how well we have worked together.” 

Over the next four weeks, the marching band staff will be teaching the music and routines for the Memorial Day Parade and services—the drumline will learn its cadence, the color guard its flag routines, and the entire group will learn how to march in straight lines.

Playing an instrument or spinning a flag has its own challenges when standing still, so the band will be working diligently to develop those skills while on the move.

Participation in the 2012 West Deptford High School Marching Band is open to all students currently in grades 8 through 11. West Deptford Township resident students attending GCIT or other private schools that do not have their own marching band programs are also eligible to participate in the WDHS music program.

All students interested in being part of this award winning program are encouraged to come out to WDHS for the 2012 Kick-off Rehearsal at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1. Contact Kershaw via phone at (856) 848-6110 x2051 or via email at tkershaw@wdeptford.k12.nj.us for more information.