Schools
Band Will Not March on for Archbishop Wood
The high school will not be able to field a marching band unit for the 2013-2014 due to lack of student interest.
There will be no band camp at Archbishop Wood this summer. No halftime shows, no band competitions or road trips for big tournaments.
In a letter addressed to Archbishop Wood alumni, director Marissa Chirillo writes that there will be no marching band unit for the 2013-2014 school year. Lack of interest from the current students forced the decision, according to the letter.
"As with any type of activity or sport, there needs to be enough participation in order to be successful," writes Chirillo. "Without the necessary interest, there are not enough people or instrumentation to create an appropriate and quality show."
Over the past few years, the music department has grown and established the concert band into the regular curriculum, plus added a jazz band and choir. But, the letter states, the marching band has been the "heart and soul of the music department."The marching unit has won numerous awards, especially in the past 13 years. Between 2001 and 2005, Wood earned championships in the United States Scholastic Band Association's state competition four out of five times, including a three-peat between 2001 and 2003.
Chirillo writes that there will be a shift moving forward to create a larger performing arts department that will encompass all music related programs.
"The administration and current staff are very excited for what we have to offer and the future of the Performing Arts department," wrote Chirillo. "It is the hope, after this transition takes place, renewed interest will return to the Marching Unit."
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