James Wood HS Band
Alumni Organization
Pics Through the Ages (videos soon)
This page is full of memories of pictures and videos (eventually) of the James Wood HS Band. The initial years are static pictures from James Wood Woodbine Yearbook. As we gain a large database of family photos, this will grow into a wonderful living-breathing memory of our years in the band.
Click on the underlined year for photos from that timeline!
James Wood High School was established in 1950 on Amherst Street as the high school for Frederick County, Virginia. It combined the students of five other high schools in the county: Gainesboro, Gore, Stonewall, Stephens City, and Middletown.
The Bands origins started in 1952, and continued to grow over the years.
Under the direction of a new band director, the band went from the confines of the band room, and started a marching program for football halftime shows and parade units.
1970s
The band continued to grow to four performing groups: The Marching Band, The Wind Ensemble, The Symphonic Band, and The Jazz Ensemble. All the sections were under the direction of yet another new band director.
The marching band was comprised of over 100 musicians, along with the majorettes, flag corp, drill teams, rifle corp, and color guard. These dedicated people endured a week of band camp to prepare themselves for the different performances. Mostly performed halftime entertainment at all home football games in the fall, as well as the local Apple Blossom parade in the spring.
In 1979, the band competed in their first field band competition. They captured awards which was quite an accomplishment for their first year.
1980s
The band continued to grow and achieved over a decade of a newly formed Honor Band title. The band worked hard raising money hosting Haunted Houses, Hoagie sales, Apple Pie and Dumpling sales for their annual spring trips. The 1986-1987 school year, the band traveled in the Spring to Philadelphia, PA for the 200th birthday of the U.S. Constitution.
To become a member of the distinguished James Wood Band, one has to audition on their instrument of choice, flag, or rifle. Competition for performance positions became more fierce. Drum Majors, who lead the band, are hand picked for their outstanding leadership qualities, responsibility levels, and excellence in musical abilities.
Once accepted, each band member attends an exhausting band camp for a week. This camp experience develops a unity which pulls the James Wood group into a superior field presence.
1990s
Students continue to play a variety of instrument from piccolo to tuba. They start out the year with a week of band camp, which was a grueling week of practice and some fun too. The endless rounds of parades, field show competitions, and football games. The band continues to represent the area in the annual Apple Blossom Festival and other competitions throughout the year. Even through all the practicing and competitions, the students continued to find time to hold fundraisers for scholarships and end of year trip.