Written by Rebecca Abrahams, a Haverford High School Band & Orchestra Parent.

Haverford High School’s Competition Marching Band took first place in the Cavalcade of Bands’ American Division Championship competition in Hershey, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011.   

With a score of 94.45, Haverford earned the highest score within the American division (29 bands) of Cavalcade of Bands. 

In addition, Haverford earned the High Visual award in the American Open category. In the four divisions represented in the Cavalcade Championship weekend, Haverford scored third highest of the 85 bands in competition.

Band Director Rick Whitcomb was pleased with the performance of this hard-working and talented bunch of musicians and color guard.

The win was “a big moment for the band. The kids didn’t want the celebration to end,”  Audrey Walsh, the parent liaison for Competition Marching Band, said, adding, “I am so proud of our kids. They gave it their all.”  

Many parents chose to drive out to Hershey to watch Haverford perform in this last show of the Competition Marching Band season.  Said Kathy Assenmacher, a Band parent, “The countdown to first place was so tense, but very exciting.  It was just great to be there to see our kids get the recognition they worked so hard for and truly deserve.”

This year’s show, entitled “Journey on the Silk Road” depicted a trio of scenes as an intrepid adventurer, portrayed by guard member Charlotte Henrich, travels through the Far East. 

The show was conducted by Drum Major Margaret Back.

One of the elements that makes Competition Marching Band participation so special is the level of commitment exhibited by students, parents, and teaching staff.

Excellence at this level requires the efforts and talents of many; even the flags used by the color guard are sewn by Haverford parent volunteers.  Competition Marching Band is a fall activity at Haverford High School, and participation in Competition Marching Band and Color Guard is open to all interested high school students.