The Martinsburg High School Bulldog Marching Band earned the Sweepstakes Award for Overall First Place Band and High Auxiliary/Color Guard during the 99th Annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Grand Feature Parade on May 2. The band also received second place for drum major, marking the second consecutive year it has achieved this recognition.
This achievement highlights the dedication and teamwork of students throughout the year. Caroline Smelko, who plays clarinet, said, “I think I’ve learned a lot about communication with people, discipline and just being a part of something bigger, because in a band program, it’s not just you. It’s everyone that makes up the band. And I think that’s a life skill that a lot of people don’t learn until later in life and just to be taught by such an amazing band director who does a good job really makes a difference.” Mikayla Loper on flute and piccolo and Emari Olson on snare drum were among other students participating.
Band Director Casie Rogers Adams said she wanted to provide her students with opportunities she did not have as a student herself: “I knew I wanted to come back as the band director to give students more experiences and opportunities to grow and just have fun playing music.” Olson reflected on his experience: “One of the main things he’s learned through band is that it takes a lot of work to succeed.” Loper added that communication is key when performing together.
Adams noted community support during the parade: “Several people told them that the band looked amazing and had the best performance of the day.” She hopes these experiences instill pride in her students: “I hope they take away a sense of pride in knowing that they are fulfilling the great tradition the Martinsburg High School band program holds within the community… giving them a sense of belonging and a home.”
The award comes with approximately $10,000 for winning sweepstakes, which Adams said will help purchase a larger trailer for transporting equipment. Berkeley County Schools supports community engagement through events, news, resources, maintains 32 educational sites serving more than 19,000 students with over 3,400 staff members in West Virginia according to the official website.
Berkeley County Schools provides education from pre-kindergarten through high school while promoting multiple pathways to success according to its official website.