Rustin High School Hosts US Bands Marching Band Competition

On Saturday, October 24, Rustin High School held their 4th annual US Bands Marching Band Competition. Featuring 15 marching bands from across the region, each high school brought something unique to the field to the delight of those in attendance. The dedication and hard-work of each band and color guard member came to life as they took to the field.

This competition is not only a day for performing and creating music, but also a day for meeting new people from surrounding high schools and sharing a common passion. The following bands participated in the competition: Henderson High School, Saucon Valley High School, Abington High School, Souderton Area High School, Emmaus High School, Easton Area High School, Nazareth Area High School, Central Bucks South High School, Quakertown High School, North Penn High School, Hempfield High School, Susquehanna Township High School, Daniel Boone High School, Absegami High School, and Rustin High School.

“Marching band requires commitment and dedication of its members, careful instruction and design of its staff, and resources beyond measure from dedicated parents and families who support and help their students to achieve at levels above and beyond their imagination,” said David Ehrhart, Supervisor of World Languages, Fine Arts, and Career Education for the West Chester Area School District.

Both Henderson and Rustin High Schools won first place in their respective divisions, receiving awards for Best Music, Best Visual, Best Overall Effect, Best Color Guard, and Best Percussion.

When speaking with drum majors from the Rustin High School Marching Band, it’s easy to recognize just how passionate the student performers and instrumentalists really are. Junior Madeline Kozak and senior Haley Bostic shared what it’s like performing and being a part of the Rustin High School Marching Band.

“I was going to quit music all together in 8th grade,” said Kozak, “but my music teacher encouraged me to continue playing, and it meant a lot to me.” Kozak currently plays violin and marches clarinet. She also enjoys the color guard and drum major experience. “This is my first year as drum major and performing with the color guard. It keeps me busy, and as I help others I also learn myself. I set my struggles aside for practices because it will affect the band.”

Bostic touched on her similar experience as drum major, saying, “I was a drum major last year and it teaches me responsibility, growth, maturity, and selflessness. The band always comes first.” Playing alto saxophone and marching tenor saxophone, Bostic enjoys her many musical experiences and says, “I definitely want to continue playing music after high school. I wake up to music, go to bed with music, and I hear music all day. Music is everything.”

This article was prepared by Elyse Kistler, intern in the WCASD Communications Office. 

For more information, please contact Ms. Tracey Dukert, Digital Communications Coordinator, West Chester Area School District at 484-266-1170 or tdukert@wcasd.net.