From Triway Titan Yearbooks: Yearly Band Reviews
1968-69
The Triway Titan Marching and Concert Band achieved outstanding results through hard work and overtime. Although the bandsmen were under Mr. Ned Brooks’ directions for the first year, this musical organization made Triway known throughout the state.
In August, the Titans began practicing the precision drills and fancy footwork that they are famous for. Themes for this year’s halftime shows included a “Review of Band”, a Rogers-Hammerstein theme, and the special senior show in which all the senior band members were to be recognized. Being host to the Wayne County Bandarama, the Titans worked hard to make it a success.
Through hard work and practice, the Triway Band received a superior rating at the District Contest. This 1 entitled them to have a go at the State Contest where they received an excellent rating.
Besides presenting the usual Winter and Spring Concerts, the band maintained a Pep Band, took a summer trip to Cedar Point, and marched in the Shreve Memorial Day Parade and at the Wayne County Fair.
1969-70
The band at
THS is more than just a band. During
football season the majorettes and marching band provide the halftime
entertainment for each game. The
majorettes attended camp in
The start of basketball season sees the start of concert and pep band. The pep band provides music at the basketball games which always includes “Sweet Georgia Brown” for the team’s warm-ups.
Concert band received an excellent this year at district contest. It also provided concerts for the community and student body. The spring concert featured Arnie Peck in
Greig’s “Piano Concerto in A Minor”, Chuck Maiwurm, Jeff
Huffman, and Tom Swarzwalder in “Bugler’s
The Shreve Memorial Day Parade was another event which called upon the majorettes and marching band. They also marched at Cedar Point in June. This year a band council greatly helped the organizing of the band. Fred Hosfeld was the President.
1970-71
In August, the marching band spent one week (eight hours a day) getting ready for football season, in which they performed in ten halftimes and the Wayne County Bandarama. Besides meeting the regular 10th period every day, the band met for two hours almost every Thursday night.
After marching season, the concert band was organized. The band gave a winter concert on March 20. The numbers included selections from “The Fantasticks”, “Fidelio Overture”, and the Grand March from “Tannhauser”. The spring concert was given May 8 in the gym. Selections included “We’ve Only Just Begun”, numbers from “Man of LaMancha”, and “Invocation of ‘Alberich’”. The band also played for graduation and in the Memorial Day Parade in Shreve.
Leading the marching band were four majorettes: two sophomores, one junior, and one senior. Activities started for these girls early last summer at camp. At Smith-Walbridge they learned routines and techniques. Senior Ann Todaro, head majorette, had many challenges before her. Her fellow majorettes were inexperienced in performing together, but they managed to pull through. An added attraction this year was a solo to “Love Is Blue” by senior Ann Todaro.
1972-73
When a person is in the band, his school year starts a week before
school, along with 64 other people.
During this week, one learns how to march and play at the same
time. All of this is to prepare for the
marching season ahead. This year, the
band has been doing various money-making projects for their new uniforms which
will be worn at the first football game with
This year in concert band, three concerts were performed under the leadership of Mr. Brooks. Some of the pieces played were: “Warsaw Concerto” (with Kathy Mulhall on the piano), “Sounds of Simon and Garfunkel”, “Overture for Winds”, and “Festivo”.
When the
students filed in the gym for pep rallies, they would hear the sounds of “Fight
the Team” or “Triway” coming from the east deck. If one was to look over there, he or she
would see the pep band giving their ever-faithful spirit to the school. Besides playing for the roundballers
of Triway, they also had the honor to play for the
This year the majorettes were a young group with only two of the girls having previous experience as majorettes. Phyllis Armstrong returned for her second year as head majorette, and Judy Gallo was the other returning senior. The new girls were all sophomores, and during the summer their learning experience began. The first work as a group was at Smith-Walbridge Camp, then a grueling week at band camp in August to prepare and perfect routines. Flags, pompons, and hat and cane routines were done at halftime, as well as baton routines. Despite the muddy, hole-infested fields, and cold, rainy weather, the girls managed to perform for their audiences.
1975-76
The band
experienced one of the most successful years of its history. The 92 member marching band performed in a
variety of halfime shows. The marching band also participated in the
Triway Bandarama, the Fairless Bandarama, the Orrville Jelly Jamboree, the
Antique Festival Parade, and the Akron University Band Day. In August the bandsmen especially enjoyed
their trip to
An enthusiastic crowd packed the Junior High gym to hear the band perform their winter concert. Near the end of the year, awards were handed out to outstanding bandsmen at the spring concert.
Pep band,
under the direction of senior Rick Martine, played a large part in the spirit
of Triway during basketball season. On
the night of a game the pep band begins its evening with practice at
At the
opening of the football season, many fans had doubts about the performance of
the majorettes. All the majorettes were
new except one, head majorette Ann Riggenbach. Under the guidance of Ann, Jacinta Hosfeld, Chris Gildersleeve, Karen Boughton,
Sandy Wirt, and Linda Boyer soon learned about the
many twirling techniques. They also
learned of the hardships, honors, and rewards of being a majorette. Work began early in the summer with long
hours of practice at majorette camp during July. After attending camp at the
1977-78
The
marching band began with three weeks of band camp. It was during this time that freshmen became
familiar with the necessary drill terms and procedures important for a good
performance. The band displayed this
knowledge each halftime show during the football season. The band also played for the Wayne County
Fair on School Day and the Wooster College Triway Day. They hosted the Bandarama and were guests at
the Millersburg Antique Festival. For
the first time in the history of the band, an overnight trip was planned. The bandsmen stayed at
The concert band gave a winter and spring concert and played for the American Legion services. The band also provided the music for the graduation ceremony.
Under the direction of Mr. Brooks, the jazz band had a very successful year. They have performed at the Norwayne Jazz Festival, an anniversary reception, and the winter and spring concerts.
With great enthusiasm and spectacular sound, the pep band has livened up the basketball games. Under the direction of Mark Black, the band works and practices long hours to pep up Titan fans.
The Triway
Majorettes displayed shining talent throughout the 1977 football season. Under the direction of head majorettes Sandy Wirt and Linda Boyer, they had a very successful year. In late June, the girls attended
Smith-Walbridge camp in
1978-79
The Triway
High School Band had a very busy year.
Led by director Ned Brooks, the band participated in several contests,
among them being the District Band Contest at
Keeping the fan’s spirit alive at basketball games is sometimes a hard job to do, but the Pep Band did just that. Under the direction of Mark Black, the Pep Band worked hard to keep its music alive with spirit.
The Jazz Band went to the annual Norwayne Jazz Festival again this year. They also played at the Winter and Spring Concerts. Under the direction of Mr. Brooks, the Jazz Band had to practice every Thursday night to perfect its music.
Without the majorettes or the flag corps at the football games, the band would look a lot less flashy. Along with the band, the flag corps and the majorettes add excitement to all the Titan games. This year, for the first time, THS had a drum major who was Mark Black. Mark was a senior and loved his position as drum major as he started a new tradition at Triway by being the first drum major in the school’s history.
1979-80
The Marching Band performed at ten football games with one of those being combined with the West Holmes Band. Fire batons lighted the dark skies during a special majorette performance.
The Triway High School Concert Band received a superior rating at districts and for the first time in eleven years received a rating of excellent at state contest. Band director Mr. Ned Brooks organized the Spicer Pizza sale to help raise money. Winter and Spring Concerts were performed at the Junior High.
The Pep Band, for the first time, was under the directions of Mr. Ned Brooks. Spirits and hopes were raised by the lively songs the band performed. For a special attraction, the flag carriers performed during the song “Sky High”.
Among the performances of the Jazz Band were the Blue and Gold Banquet and the Manchester Festival. New soloists added to the total sound of the band.
Every year the Flag Corps and Majorettes add color to the marching band. During the summer these girls attend clinics to help prepare for the coming season. Getting new uniforms for the majorettes was a real excitement. The Flag Corps get new flags and poles.
1980-81
The Marching Band, directed by Mr. Brooks, attended the Millersburg Antique Festival where it received first place in parade marching. The band also traveled to the Swiss Festival Marching Band Competition at Sugarcreek. They received a third place trophy in parade and field marching. The group provided entertainment at all varsity football games. Eight bands participated in Triway’s annual Bandarama.
The Concert
Band, directed by Mr. Brooks, held a Christmas Concert, a Winter Concert, and a
Spring Concert during 1981. With the
proceeds from these and selling “Bonus Bills”, booklets with money saving
coupons, members attended two contests.
They traveled to
The pep band, directed by Mr. Ned Brooks, could be found at Triway’s home basketball games raising the spirit of the crowd with the many songs it played. The members were invited to a Cavaliers’ basketball game on January 28. They traveled to Cleveland Coliseum and played some tunes for the cheering fans. The cheerleaders and members of the Pep Club cheered the words to various cheers as the band played the music to “Musical Cheers”. “Hang On Sloopy”, “Mississippi Mud”, “Joshua”, and “Rubberband Man” were just some of the songs that the Pep Band played.
From the many girls who tried out for majorette, eight girls were selected. A car wash and bake sale were held to pay for special uniforms which were made by each majorette. They wore these to school Fridays to commemorate the football game that evening. The girls twirled fire batons at one of their performances at halftime. While the marching band played “Espana Cani”, the majorettes showed their talents with fire.
During the
summer, the Flag Corps attended a camp held at
1981-82
Found practicing hard in the early part of August for the upcoming football season was the Marching Band, directed by Mr. Ned Brooks. It performed for every football game at halftime and at various contests and parades. The group traveled to the Barberton Magic Marching Contest, the Millersburg Antique Festival Parade, the United Way Parade, the Memorial Day Parade in Shreve, and held its annual Bandarama in the Triway stadium.
This year,
the band directed by Mr. Ned Brooks, was split into two sections, a class B and
a class C band. The Symphonic Band, in
class B, held a Winter Concert on
Ninth period the Concert Band practiced their many pieces of music with the help of director, Mr. Brooks. At the band’s Winter Concert on March 5, they played “Windermere Overture”, “I Get A Kick Out Of Cole”, “I’d Do Anything”, and “Torch of Liberty”. The group also held a Spring Concert on May 12.
A group
constantly found at the 1981-82 home basketball games cheering on the Triway
Titan fans with their many songs was the Pep Band, directed by Mr. Brooks. The groups’ favorite songs were “Hang On Sloopy”, “The Muppet Medley”,
and “Joshua”. In December, the band of
twenty-nine members was invited to the
To become a Titan Majorette, one had to make up her own routine and audition. Those chosen showed their twirling talents at football games, during halftime, and at parades. Members sold all-occasion cards. With the money received from this project, the group made themselves special outfits worn to school each Friday to acknowledge the football game that night.
One group working in the summer is the Triway Flag Corps. They begin practicing their routines for the upcoming football season in the early part of August. The 13 carriers bought material and made new uniforms using the proceeds obtained from a bake sale and two car washes. Ms. Beth Walters was the Advisor.
1982-83
Marching
Band, directed by Mr. Brooks, was involved in many performances including the
West Holmes combined halftime show and the Swiss Festival parade. Shows featured such attractions as black
light routines and flaming batons. They
also hosted the annual Bandarama and participated in Otterbein band day, the
Through
tryouts, 62 members were selected by director Mr. Brooks to be in Symphonic
Band. They prepared music for two
concerts: a winter concert in March and a Spring Pops concert May 10. They received a
After football season in over, Marching Band becomes the Symphonic and Concert Bands. Concert Band, directed by Mr. Brooks, does not compete, but is a preparation for Symphonic Band. The 62 members spent the year working on the music and perfecting notes, dynamics, style, and rhythm. They sold sausage and cheese and birthday calendars to raise money for music and various other expenses.
Adding a spark of life to halftimes at home basketball games was the pep band. About 25 instrumentalists participated. Familiar tunes and a strong, steady beat made pep band a favorite with basketball fans. They welcomed the team with a chorus of “Triway” while the cheerleaders did their pompon routine. In addition to playing a musical instrument, members were required to have interest and the ability to attend the practices and games.
Jazz Band performed in the Spring Pops Concert held May 10. They practiced their pieces of music with the help of director Mr. Brooks on Tuesday evenings. Approximately 16 symphonic and concert band members volunteered their time and effort to make Jazz Band a success. Two students from Waynedale were asked to contribute their talents playing banjo.
Majorettes earned money for new uniforms and capes by selling suntan lotion. They also held a garage sale and an 8-hour twirl-a-thon to raise funds. This year the six majorettes, headed by Pam Sprague, were featured in a halftime show with light sticks. Throughout the summer, they practice two nights a week. In the fall, they attended Thursday practices and Friday games. They also participated in parades with the band.
Kris Johnson, Flag Corps captain, supervised the 14 members of Flag Corps. They held a car wash and a bake sale to raise money for uniforms. Being a member of the flag corps involved attending a special practice once a week in addition to the Thursday night practices, Friday night football games, and parades with the band. Flag Corps was occasionally featured in halftime shows with special routines.
1983-84
Approximately
100 members of the Triway High School Marching Band, including the flag corps and
the majorettes, began band camp in August and continued until school
began. The director, Mr. Brooks, changed
the meeting time from all day to mornings and some evenings to get more
accomplished during the cooler hours of the day. After school began, they continued practice
every day during tenth period and on Thursday evenings during the football
season. Their hours of practice and
preparation, however, were apparent during their many performances which
included a combined halftime show with both the West Holmes and the
Members of Symphonic Band prepared music for both a winter concert held on March 17 and a spring concert on May 14. They practiced every day during 10th period. In the winter they spent much of this time preparing for district contest where the band received an “Excellent” rating in Class A music. Approximately 70 seniors, juniors, and sophomores made up the band. They were selected by director, Mr. Ned Brooks, after trying out for him by playing various pieces of music and basic scales. Nine members were honored by being selected to the Wayne County Honors Band for their outstanding playing abilities. Andy Vaeth and Will Colley also participated in the All Ohio Honors Band and Kent State Honors Band respectively.
After the busy season of Marching Band is over, the members become musicians of either Symphonic or Concert Band and settle down to perfect the many fine points of music. The Concert Band, made up mostly of freshmen, is a preparation for Symphonic Band. Although it does not compete in any contests, the 28 members, directed by Mr. Ned Brooks, work hard every day ninth period on tone, dynamics, style, and rhythm. They spent much time preparing for the Winter Concert which was held March 17 and the Spring Concert, May 14. At the Spring Concert, Deb Schnipke was awarded the Andy Klinker Memorial Award for her outstanding musicianship as a freshman.
One of the largest Pep Bands ever added much enthusiasm to both the pep rallies and home boys’ basketball games. Besides adding interest by playing many popular tunes during halftime, the instrumentalists also showed their winning Titan spirit by cheering on the team with the cheerleaders. The welcomed the team with a familiar chorus of “Triway” and also honored our country by playing the National Anthem. Members were not only required to attend the games, but also the practices held before.
The six
Triway Majorettes worked hard to prepare for their twirling season in the
fall. Besides practicing weekly
throughout the summer and with the band during band camp, they also attended
Smith-Walbridge Camp in
The members
of the Triway Flag Corps spent many hours practicing for their many
performances. They usually practiced in
the evening twice a week including the Thursday night rehearsal with the
band. They performed at all the football
games and other parades and events. They
also accompanied the Triway Marching Band on the trip to
1984-85
The Triway
High School Marching Band hosted the 25th Annual Wayne County
Bandarama. Ten county schools
participated. Each band performed a
show, and they all combined at the end of the evening to play a spectacular
finale. The band, directed by Mr. Brooks
and assistant director, Mrs. Teague, put in long hours of practice to perfect
their music and marching style. They
performed their shows during halftime at each of the football games, the West
Holmes Bandarama, and in such parades as the United Way Parade in
This year
the Triway Symphonic Band was made up of members from all four classes, and the
Concert Band was omitted. Mr. Ned Brooks
directed the band along with some help from
For years the Pep Band has provided entertainment and enthusiasm at home basketball games for both the fans and the players. This year was no exception. The group of about forty members was directed by Mr. Brooks. Before each game they played the National Anthem, and throughout the game and at halftime, they played various popular and energizing tunes, including the school fight songs. This helped to build school spirit among spectators.
Many talented band members chose to participate in the Jazz Band. These students joined their musical talents at rehearsal which were held throughout the year on Thursday evenings. Then in the spring, they performed for various groups and organizations. On Thursday May 23, they combined with the Ensemble to produce a “Pops” concert. Members were directed by Mr. Brooks.
Head
majorette Jill Basford directed the four other
majorettes. The group of five
participated in all of the marching band activities which included practices,
Friday night halftime performances at the football games, the Bandarama, and
the various area parades. They held a
car wash to earn money for their special costumes. Members were required to tryout in the spring
and designed routines for all of the songs.
They attended a camp in
Tryouts for the Flag Corps were held in the spring. After being chosen based on their tryout performance, the members practiced long hours to make up and perfect their routines. The group practiced with the band in August and on Thursday nights, performed during the halftime of the football games, and marched in the various parades with the Marching Band. A special halftime show featuring the flag girls brought memories of a circus. The Flag Corps members dressed as clowns and performed funny stunts in “The Circus Show” while the band marched to popular circus tunes. Captains were Ann Mullet and Susie Renner.
1985-86
Starting the year off right, the Triway High School Marching Band was sporting a new look after retiring the old uniforms, which have been in use for over ten years. After a year of selling things from cheese to jewelry, enough money was finally made and donated to purchase the new uniforms. The Music Boosters held a spring and a fall craft show to earn money. They also donated much of the needed funds. Several old uniforms were auctioned off at the annual Pot Luck Dinner, but most of them were cut into rugs which were sold by the Music Boosters. Being a member of the band required a lot of hard work. Practices began during the first week of August and continued when school started until the last football game in November. Practices were held during tenth period and on every Thursday night. This was in preparation for all the halftime shows and parades. The annual Wayne County Bandarama hosted by Triway was held in October. This year’s special guest was the Jackson High School Band which put on a spectacular show.
Many
individuals from the Symphonic Band earned awards and honors. Eight members were accepted to play in the
Wayne County Honors Band in February. At
the annual spring concert, all band members were recognized by Mr. Brooks, the
director. The band as a group received
an “Excellent” rating at District contest.
Several ensembles and soloists competed at the OMEA District Solo and
Ensemble Contest at the
The Pep Band, under the direction of Mr. Brooks, played at all of the boys’ home basketball games and one girls’ game. The spirited band cheered their team to victory while playing such tunes as “Triway”, “Battle Cry”, and “Sloopy”. At halftime the spectators were entertained by many upbeat songs. Pep Band had about 50 members.
The Jazz Band consisted of about 25 Symphonic Band members who were interested in the jazz style. Starting in the winter, they practiced each Thursday night. They performed at the winter and spring concerts, as well as at the Jazz Festival which they hosted in May.
(Nothing was written about the majorettes this year)
1986-87
The 1986-87
Triway Marching Band, under the direction of Mr. Brooks, had a busy year. Their football halftime shows were enjoyed by
everyone. Members also took part in a
trip to Cedar Point and the ever-famous Woolly Bear parade in Vermillion,
The symphonic band, directed by Mr. Brooks, consisted of 88 members. They took part in district band contest, gave two concerts, and performed at graduation. Thirteen members were named to the Wayne County Honors Band. Deb Schnipke was named to the Ohio All-State Band, while Todd VanOrman was appointed to the Kent State Honors Band.
The pep band played at all home basketball games, raising the spirits of the crowd and cheering the team on to their many victories while having a great time. They played many show and march tunes.
The jazz band practiced every Thursday night and played music from Duke Ellington to Huey Lewis. They hosted the annual AOL Jazz Festival, attended a jazz festival at West Holmes, and played for many community groups.
Not only did Mr. Brooks direct the marching, symphonic, jazz, and pep bands, he also conceived of an All-County Band and will co-direct the All-County Marching Band’s performance during the Wayne County’s 175 Birthday Celebration. Mr. Brooks was assisted by Mrs. Teague.
(Nothing was written about the majorettes this year)
1987-88
The marching, symphonic, jazz, and pep bands had a very busy year, The marching band performed at all football games, held a Bandarama, participated in Orville’s Band Show, and competed in a marching contest in which it won 2nd place in its category.
Symphonic
band (not pictured) took a trip to
1988-89
The 1988-89
school year began three weeks earlier for the Titan
Marching Band, who found themselves roused out of bed and on the practice field
by
For the first several weeks of the season, the band was guided by its director, Mr. Brooks, and his assistant, Mrs. Teague. However, midway through the season, Mr. Brooks was struck down with illness.
For three hectic weeks, Mrs. Teague and the rest of the band had to go only on written instructions which had been relayed from Mr. Brooks. Through this crisis, however, the true leadership qualities within the band itself emerged to help carry the band to the end of another successful season.
After all was said and done, the band had presented four different halftime shows for the football masses. The Marching Titans played at all ten football games.
The band
also performed in four parades: the Wooster March of Dimes Parade, a
When asked later about the season, Mr. Brooks said, “I was very proud of the way the band held up while I was ill.”
1989-90
(No synopsis about anything relating to the band at all this year except the following quotes)
“The band
trip to
“I’m sure all the female members of the 1988 THS Marching Band will never forget the time Mr. Koehler wanted the steps out of the auditorium, where we were changing into our uniforms, for the Homecoming float. With absolutely no warning, he walked into the room and wondered why we were all screaming.” - Aleta Roberts
“During band camp prior to the beginning of school, the United Telephone Company uses Triway’s parking lot to test their drivers. The 1988 majorette squad suppressed their laughter as Sharon Miller told Aimee Speicher that we had to pass a driving test to be allowed to drive to school. Aimee went to the office to register for the test- I wonder what the secretary though?!” - Lisa Hastings
1990-91
(No synopsis about anything relating to the band at all this year)
1991-92
Strike up
the band! Aside from leading the
football and basketball teams to victory, they also got to do some things for
themselves. On May 2 they performed at
the state band contest where they received an excellent. But in between all of the contests, there was
the inevitable April 24-27
1992-93
“WOW! Look at those line formations! I wonder how high that majorette can toss her baton and still catch it?” Those are typical comments for a halftime show at a football game. But those marchers and their musical instruments mark time through many more hours than just Friday night games. August Band Camp merely marked the beginning of a hectic year that included a trip to Cedar Point, playing at the County Fair, and marching in several parades, including the Woolly Bear Festival. Contest participation was sprinkled through practices for Christmas, winter, and spring concerts.
1993-94
Supporting the football team long past the regular season, Marching Band presented a halftime show at every game and gave a pre-game performance when the team played at home. A highlight of the year was the Aladdin show, complete with a magical, blue Genie (Jason Marker) and a lovely princess Jamine (Tracy Talbott). The princess put the crowd under her spell as she twirled batons and knives.
Symphonic Band delighted their Christmas audience with several spirited numbers, including “The 13 Days of Christmas”. The State Band Contest performance earned them a rating of Excellent, and in the spring, students were honored for outstanding efforts. A Tim Graff solo on the marimba and a Sousa march completed an enjoyable year of instrumental music.
1994-95
Marching
Band fired up the football team and fans with their halftime and pre-game
shows. Drum Major-Dori
Symphonic
Band opened their season with the Christmas concert and ended with the Spring concert. They
received a
Ever since
Mr. Ned Brooks started teaching 32 years ago, he has stressed
responsibility. He started working for
Triway 27 years ago after first teaching in
He has no definite plans, but since he has been in school all of his life, he wants to see what life is like outside of school. He will miss Triway, but sitting in on finding a successor gives him some relief, because he will know who he is leaving his band to.
Upon his retirement he wants everyone to remember, “Band is the place to be!”