The Martinsburg High School Bulldog Marching Band earned the Sweepstakes Award for Overall First Place Band and High Auxiliary/Color Guard at the 99th Annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Grand Feature Parade on May 2. This marks the second consecutive year that the band has received this recognition. The drum major also achieved second place at the event.
This award is seen as a reflection of the students’ dedication 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.”
Band Director Casie Rogers Adams said she wanted to give her students more opportunities than she had when she was in high school. “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,” Adams said. “And for younger kids that are watching, the middle schoolers that will be here next year, I want to give them a sense of belonging and a home, knowing that, ‘Hey, I’m going to be a part of an award-winning group,’ and giving them the sense of pride to want to be a part of this.”
Other students highlighted how much effort goes into preparing for these performances. Emari Olson shared how much work is required after joining as snare drummer: it takes many hours practicing together as one team. Mikayla Loper noted communication is key: when someone is out of step or needs help correcting mistakes during practice or performance.
Students described their favorite part as seeing enthusiastic crowds along the parade route supporting their music. According to Adams, several spectators commented on how impressive their performance looked and sounded.
Berkeley County Schools supports community engagement through events like these parades and provides education from pre-kindergarten through high school while promoting multiple pathways to success for more than 19,000 enrolled students across 32 educational sites in West Virginia; it reports a graduation rate of 98% according to Berkeley County Schools.
Adams said winning bands receive about $10,000 toward new equipment—in this case funding will go toward purchasing a larger trailer so they can continue participating in future events.
