On Saturday, November 5, 2022, the Wando Marching Band captured their 14th South Carolina 5A state title, sweeping all captions including Outstanding Music, Outstanding Visuals, and Outstanding General Effect with a score of 96.45.
The Warriors have competed in the state marching band competition 14 times since 2005 and won the championship each time. The 14th win sets a new South Carolina state marching band record for most wins of any program in the state, breaking the Warriors’ previous record of 13 state championships.
“It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve won the state championship,” said Bobby Lambert, Wando Band Director. “Each title is incredibly special as the challenges and hurdles around us seem to raise each year. From illness to pouring rain during finals, these kids have continued to face every challenge and rise above them beautifully.”
Wando's show this year, Ascension, signifies the rise above all the obstacles facing our world since the pandemic.
"The show is a three-part work of performance art that explores the mystery of the unknown, yet the drive to explore," explained show designer Michael Gray. "The revelation of finding your 'personal' mountain and conquering it. Lastly, we explore the victory of overcoming, the power, jubilance, and joy of realizing that each performer in the Wando band is a survivor on the field and in life."
The show features the musical selections, Rest by Frank Ticheli, Canyon by Phillp Glass, and Survivor, arranged by Jay Bocook and Vince Oliver.
The championship comes two weeks after Wando finished second in the Bands of America Regional Championships in Orlando.
The Bands of Wando are under the direction of Lambert, Lanie Radecke, and Jeff Handel. Michael Gray is the Program Coordinator for the Wando Marching Band, and Brian Winn is the Director of Color Guard.
The Bands of Wando thank the community, the Charleston County School District, the Town of Mount Pleasant, its Harmony Sponsors, the Bands of Wando Foundation, parents, and alumni for their continued support. For more information visit WandoBands.org.
For more about the Warriors’ performance, contact E.C. Setser at ecsetser@yahoo.com.
