The Walt Whitman High School Marching Band kicks off its 2022-2023 competition season this Sunday, September 18th, in Brentwood. This year’s show is called A Journey in Time, and it features a few pop songs fans should recognize that share “time” as a common theme: Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper, Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce, and Clocks by Coldplay. Sunday’s competition is at Brentwood High School where 12 bands will take the field as part of the New York State Field Band Conference (NYSFBC).
The 58 band members have been rehearsing and fine-tuning this program since the beginning of August. Band Director Greg Modelewski, in his 4th year at the helm, says they’re excited to get back on the field after a summer of hard work learning the music and drill choreography. “I feel like these kids in particular are just sponges. They’ve really absorbed anything that myself or the other staff members have thrown at them. This senior leadership, in particular, is very open to just making this experience wonderful for all the new kids and they’re honestly a joy to work with,” said Modelewski.
The competition schedule runs through October and culminates with the NYSFBC Championships at Syracuse University on October 30th.
In addition to their busy competition schedule, the Marching Band will be playing in several community parades throughout the school year, two home football games and the big Homecoming celebration on Saturday, October 8th. A special thank you goes out to Marching Band Director and show designer Greg Modelewski, Co-Director and Percussion Director Sean Lucas, Brass Instructor and drill designer Alex Prince, Brass Instructor Ryan Resky, Woodwind Instructor Shannon Ganci, Music Instructor Joe Vetak, Percussion Instructors Tim Rise, Abbie Yaegar and Kevin Bonilla, Cologuard Director Joe Kirchiem, and Colorguard Instructors Mina Guvenc, Olivia Bonomo and Max Fisher. Here’s to another successful season! Eyes With Pride!