Wando’s marching band wins 13th state championship
November 8, 2021
On Saturday, November 6, 2021, the Wando Marching Band captured their 13th South Carolina 5A state title, sweeping all captions, including Outstanding Music, Outstanding Visuals, and Outstanding General Effect.
The Warriors have competed in the state competition 13 times since 2004, and won the championship each time. The 13th win sets a new South Carolina state marching band record for most wins of any program in the state.
“This has been an incredibly challenging season only eclipsed by last year,” explained band director Bobby Lambert. “However, this has been one of the most rewarding and fortifying seasons for everyone in our program. From the newest member to our experienced and incredibly supportive band booster organization, everyone has grown and prospered. We look forward to applying those lessons and rewards for the rest of this season and years to come.”
Later this week (November 10-13, 2021), the band will take their show, Cabinet of Curiosities, to their largest stage yet: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis for the Bands of America Grand National Championships. Wando will be competing in this event for the first time in three years; only the seniors in this year’s marching band have performed at Grand Nationals. This year there are 100 bands scheduled to perform with only two from South Carolina: Wando and Easley High School. This will be the toughest competition they have ever faced.
“The past two years will have all been worth it once we step foot on that field at Grand Nationals,” says senior drum major, Brooke Smith. “We have worked hard together to come out of this pandemic a stronger Wando.”
The Bands of Wando are under the direction of Lambert, Lanie Radecke, and Jeff Handel. Michael Gray is the Program Coordinator for the Wando Marching Band, and Brian Winn is the Director of Color guard.
The Bands of Wando thank the community, the Charleston County School District, the Town of Mount Pleasant, its Harmony Sponsors, the Bands of Wando Foundation, parents, and alumni for their continued support. For more information visit WandoBands.org.
For more information on how you can support the Wando Band, please visit www.wandoraffle.com.
For more about the Warriors’ performance, contact E.C. Setser at (843) 345-1374 or [email protected].
About the Charleston County School District
Charleston County School District (CCSD) is a nationally accredited school district committed to providing equitable and quality educational opportunities for all of its students. CCSD is the second-largest school system in South Carolina and represents a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural schools spanning 1,300 square miles along the coast. CCSD serves approximately 49,000 students in 88 schools and specialized programs.
CCSD offers a diverse, expanding portfolio of options and specialized programs, delivered through neighborhood, magnet, IB (international baccalaureate), Montessori, and charter schools. Options include programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); music and other creative and performing arts; career and technical preparation programs; and military.
