Wheeling Park High School: CA House Band of the Week

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — A big night of high school football will get underway this Friday night.

But right now, we want to take a minute to shine a spotlight on what many consider the heart and soul of Friday Night Lights.

We are talking about, of course, high school marching bands.

Tonight we are in Ohio County to check out the Wheeling Park Patriots.

There has been no egos in the band.

They have just been in “yes sir” and “no ma’am ” to all staff members, and they have come out every day and worked hard. I think they are seeing the vision we are trying to create here, and they have been coming out, and they are buying into it.”

Jason Birch, Band Director, Wheeling Park High School

Jason Birch is in his third year as the Patriot’s Band Director, and he’s thrilled about the progress and potential of this year’s group.

There are just over 100 kids in this years band and despite some strong senior leadership there are a relatively young group made up mostly of underclassmen.

However, one thing they all seem to have in common is a passion for music and a dedication to performing.

Several of the seniors say they plan to pursue band or study music education in college.

Something about playing music puts me in a good mood. After my band class and my jazz class, my next period, I’m always in a happy or joyful mood. That’s what my teachers say anyway.

Landen Smeltz, Senior Trombone Player WPHS

Birch says the half-time show is by far their most ambitious performance to date. It’s called “Impact” and includes an impressive mash-up of songs that have made some influence on popular culture over the years.

It’s an amazing show this year. We have a great soloist in our show, as well. There are alo of solos in it. Mostly allk 12th graders, so that’s awesome. It’s a show with great music, great effects, great colors. It’s a show for everyone. It feels it has a lot of songs that every generation will know.”

Senior, Color Guard, WPHS

Band members say they are excited to perform in front of the home-town crowd, that’s when all of their hard work and preparation will pay off.

They say that while the show came together quickly, it took long hours of practice in the hot summer sun to make it a performance to remember.

Our band camps were from 8 to 4, Monday through Friday, for two weeks. We spent a lot of time in the field learning basics, and we had academies once a week over the summer for each instrument group. We spent a lot of time outside, and this summer was extra hot. So we got lots of water and managed to put this show in the field in two weeks.”

Will Johnston, Senior, 1st Trumpet, Section Leader

Congratulations to the Wheeling Park Patriot’s Marching Band, this week’s Band of the Week.

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