Fairfield Warde High School held its annual homecoming football game last Saturday, and my son and I enjoyed the festivities at the school. Naturally, we saw many neighbors, and I had the good fortune of running into Warde alums and former athletes Mike Abraham and Tom Davis, the brother of the late football coach, Bill.
The Mustangs played well before falling to St. Joseph High School, 35-18. However, what struck me most was the absence of the band. Back in the day, the high school marching band was a staple at our weekly football games, and listening to their music was just as entertaining as watching the Crimson Eagles play football. On second thought, it was much better considering our gridders didn't do too well.
That got me reminiscing about the school band during our senior year. The Andrew Warde High School band, under the direction of Mr. Michael German, had a tough but very rewarding year in the completion of its two-year goal, a concert tour in England. It was a very exciting trip, which included a number of concerts, a variety of sightseeing tours, and a visit to the birthplace of Andrew Warde, in Colchester.
To raise money for the trip, the band held a large number of fundraising activities throughout our junior and senior years. These endeavors were successful largely as a result of the efforts of the Andrew Warde High School Band Parents Club.
Although the trip to England was the highlight of the year, the band took on a demanding schedule, which included a Christmas concert, a Spring concert, several bicentennial performances, and an exchange program with Roger Ludlowe High School.
In addition, the band represented Warde in the Santa Claus Parade and the Bicentennial Memorial Day Parade. The band gave continuous support to the school by playing at all home football games, pep rallies, during Senior Class Day, and at graduation.
The Andrew Warde chorus had a very successful year, too. The group's membership grew consistently, and, under the leadership of Mrs. Walia Triolo, its performances acquired a professional quality. The chorus performed on several occasions, including the Bicentennial Concert.
I was proud of the Warde football team's effort last Saturday. The new artificial turf and grandstands look great, and the school has never looked better. However, I missed hearing the band during the homecoming football game. It made me realize just how good the band was during our years at Andrew Warde High School. Please feel free to share your memories of the band in the "comments" link below.
Paul
Please sign the AWHS Class of 1976 Guest Book.
Visit the Andrew Warde High School Gift Shop.
Watch the AWHS 1976 vintage "film."
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