The Walton High School Marching Band
Nov 10, 2010
The Walton High School Band, under the direction of Dr. Harry Patzig, is
finishing their 2010 marching season with many new additions to their trophy
case. Students, parents, and directors are very proud of the accomplishments
the marching band has achieved this season.
In addition to the outstanding job they have done and continue to do during the Walton High School football season, both in the stands and on the field, the band participated in three marching band competitions; the “Southern Showcase Marching Band Invitational”, Dothan, AL, the “Little Bighorn Marching Band Contest”, Opp, AL, and the ”Florida Bandmaster Association Marching Performance Assessment”, Panama City, FL. Awards include two overall superior ratings and one excellent overall. Sectional awards received included the “Best in Class” award to WHS Band percussion for a “spectacular” performance at the Southern Showcase Invitational. Drum major ratings were superior and color guard ratings included superior and excellent. Five judges ranked the band “superior” in the category of music performance. Also, numerous comments were made by judges as to the marching and maneuvering skills of the band. The band was commended for practicing and learning demanding and challenging music that kept their audience captivated and wondering what would come next. Pride in the band by its members was obvious and noted by judges comments as “impressive”.
Congratulations to such a hard working and talented group of students, their parents, and their instructor. Photo credits:
[email protected]
finishing their 2010 marching season with many new additions to their trophy
case. Students, parents, and directors are very proud of the accomplishments
the marching band has achieved this season.
In addition to the outstanding job they have done and continue to do during the Walton High School football season, both in the stands and on the field, the band participated in three marching band competitions; the “Southern Showcase Marching Band Invitational”, Dothan, AL, the “Little Bighorn Marching Band Contest”, Opp, AL, and the ”Florida Bandmaster Association Marching Performance Assessment”, Panama City, FL. Awards include two overall superior ratings and one excellent overall. Sectional awards received included the “Best in Class” award to WHS Band percussion for a “spectacular” performance at the Southern Showcase Invitational. Drum major ratings were superior and color guard ratings included superior and excellent. Five judges ranked the band “superior” in the category of music performance. Also, numerous comments were made by judges as to the marching and maneuvering skills of the band. The band was commended for practicing and learning demanding and challenging music that kept their audience captivated and wondering what would come next. Pride in the band by its members was obvious and noted by judges comments as “impressive”.
Congratulations to such a hard working and talented group of students, their parents, and their instructor. Photo credits:
[email protected]
Walton High Band Kicks Off
Marching Season!
The Walton High School Band kicked off a new marching season with a three
week percussion and full band camp. This year’s show features “The Music of
Howard Hanson”. This competitive marching show opens with the symphonic band
masterpiece, “Chorale and Alleluia”, and develops using themes from the beautiful “Romantic Symphony.”
The band plans to attend marching festivals in Florida and Alabama and provide halftime entertainment for the Walton High School football season.To hear the band, see a schedule, and for information on how you can support the band, please visit the band webpage at: http://www.walton.k12.fl.us/schools/whs/band. In photo: Drum Major Zambia Campbell and Band Director Harry Patzig prepare the WHS band for the 2010 marching season.
week percussion and full band camp. This year’s show features “The Music of
Howard Hanson”. This competitive marching show opens with the symphonic band
masterpiece, “Chorale and Alleluia”, and develops using themes from the beautiful “Romantic Symphony.”
The band plans to attend marching festivals in Florida and Alabama and provide halftime entertainment for the Walton High School football season.To hear the band, see a schedule, and for information on how you can support the band, please visit the band webpage at: http://www.walton.k12.fl.us/schools/whs/band. In photo: Drum Major Zambia Campbell and Band Director Harry Patzig prepare the WHS band for the 2010 marching season.
The Walton High School Band was organized on March 18, 1937. It’s first director, Captain G.M. Shearouse, was a Bandmaster in the 7th Division, U.S. Army, and a member of John Phillip Sousa’s Band. He was sent to Defuniak Springs under the Federal Music Project to organize the band, which became one of the first bands in Northwest Florida. There were 45 members. Mr. Thomas Bailey was Principal and Mr. Archie Neal Anderson was Superintendent of Schools.
The High School Band made its first public appearance on May 8, 1937 in a parade and concert at Henry Park (the pavilion area in the Lakeyard). Selections included the Merry Widow Waltz and Old Kentucky Home.
The first music festivals were held in DeFuniak Springs. Bands from as far away as Jacksonvilleparticipated. Students were housed in dormitories in PalmerCollege and in private homes. The concerts were held in the former Chautauqua auditorium with marching at Harbeson Field.
In 1939, the Walton High School Band made the highest rating in any band contest and drill competition; and placed first in state concert and marching contests.
Our Walton High School Band has a rich history, some of which includes not only scoring consistent Superiors and Excellents in State Festivals through the years, but invitations to appear in out of state celebrations and festivals. The Band played for the
inauguration of Gov. Holland in 1941, and received two invitations to the World’s Fair in New York. The positive example put forth by the Walton High School Band was instrumental in forming bands in towns in Northwest Florida.
History of the Walton Senior High Band, Glenda Sue Parker, March 13, 1978
Our thanks to James McCall, who provided us with this rich and proud history, whose mother, Doris Curry, played clarinet and had the position of the first Assistant Band Director from 1937 to 1940.