By: Lila Dees, Intern
The Woodruff High School Marching Cadets have an exciting 25-26 season ahead of them. The show this year is an aquatic theme titled Neptune’s Garden. Their musical repertoire includes: excerpts of the Ponyo soundtrack, Jellyfish Jam from SpongeBob, and Good Vibrations by The Beach Boys. The Cadets have had two highly successful seasons, placing 2nd at State in 2023 and 4th in 2024, but are looking to win the gold medal this year!
Talking to some of the leaders in the band, I asked what their hopes are for the upcoming season. Drum majors, Gabe Glass and Kaitlyn Choquette, said, “[We] want to take the whole thing, sweep the board at every competition and finally bring home a first place state trophy… [we] are just really excited to perform with the friends we’ve made over the years for the last couple of times! [We] love these people and are looking forward to sharing the field with them for just a little longer.” In agreement with them was colorguard section leader, Deanna Sharpe, saying, “I hope to have an amazing senior year with the people I care about, and a medal would be nice.” Band director, Jonathan Gilstrap, said, “I am really excited to see the show grow from just being an idea with songs in mind and no clear focus. Just seeing it grow and blossom is really cool.” Percussion section leader, Miles Bowling said, “I want to win state. I’m pushing my section to be the best we can be because I know we can wipe the floor with any other school’s percussion.”
Success doesn’t come without hard work and dedication from everyone. During the summer, the Cadets have band camp, which lasts for two weeks from 9:00 am-6:00 pm. The bulk of their show is learned throughout band camp, during which students review marching fundamentals, practice music, learn visual routines, and bond with each other to prepare for performances. The Cadets work super hard to bring music and fun to football games and competitions alike!
The consensus of the favorite part of band was community, with Ayanna Dudley, flute section leader, saying, “I would say my favorite part of marching band is the people. Don’t get me wrong I love the experience, the music, uniforms, coaches, but nothing compares to the friendships I have made through band, and I will forever be grateful for those.” In agreement with her was baritone section leader, Bax Potter, who said, “my favorite part of marching band is absolutely the community that it builds. Joining the marching band gave me a set group of friends that has remained steady through all of high school [going into senior year].” Mellophone section leader, Drew Lynn, said, “My favorite part of marching band is meeting new people and leading.” Sousaphone section leader, Maddux Young said, “My favorite part is meeting new friends and strengthening old relationships.”
Drum major, Gabe Glass, said, “My favorite part has to be the people. The students make band fun and entertaining for the entire band and crew.
Without the people, the band wouldn’t be band!” As someone who’s been in a concert band for six years and is going into her third year of marching band, my favorite part of it is the people you suffer through summer practices with and eventually succeed with. Band isn’t just an elective class or extracurricular activity; for me and my fellow band members, it’s a lifeline.
The season kicks off with the band performing at home football games during halftime. The band competitions are: September 20 at Laurens District 55 High School, September 27 at Boiling Springs High School, October 4 at Byrnes High School, October 11 at North Greenville University, and October 18 at Blythewood High School for State.
The Cadets thrive off of audience enthusiasm and support from the Woodruff community! Of course, we would love everyone to attend our performances, but there are other opportunities to support the Cadets. We will be hosting a Mattress Sale Fundraiser on August 10, 2025, at The District 4 Activity Center from 10:00 am -5:00 pm. We have a Band Store located inside our stadium that will be open during football games. We are always accepting monetary donations and bottled water! To keep up with our season, please follow our Facebook page, Woodruff High School Cadets.
Author: Tracy Sanders
