The Marcus Whitman Marching Wildcats earned third place at the New York State Field Band Conference Championships on Sunday, October 27, at the JMA Wireless Dome. The 34-member band, the smallest in the competition, achieved a score of 81.45 in the Small School 3 Class, finishing behind Le Roy and Jordan-Elbridge.
Comprising students from both Marcus Whitman and Penn Yan Central School Districts, the band impressed officials despite its smaller size. “Field Band requires a tremendous amount of dedication, skill, teamwork, and time,” said Marcus Whitman Central School District Superintendent Chris Brown. “I am very proud of our Marching Wildcats, staff, and boosters, and am pleased with how they represented themselves, their families, and Marcus Whitman.”
Drum Major Julia MacVean, a junior at Marcus Whitman High School, expressed her excitement over the team’s success. “I’m so proud of all the hard work our team put in this season,” she said. “Seeing the show evolve from beginning to end is a rewarding experience that I was so glad to be a part of.”
The Wildcats’ 2024 show, titled From the Ashes, depicted the myth of the Phoenix through a series of alternative rock tracks, featuring music from Blink-182, Disturbed, and Fall Out Boy. Under the direction of Jeff Waite, the group captivated audiences throughout the fall season, consistently achieving high scores across New York State. The band, open to students from grades 6-12 in both districts, continues to be a source of pride and accomplishment for the community.
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