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On the morning of Sept. 28, the marching band will be in all its glory, dressed in their uniforms. As usual, the band will be featured in the Homecoming Parade, beginning at 9 a.m. from downtown West Grove, and marching their way up to the high school varsity field. There, they will perform for an anticipated, large crowd, which grows with alumni each year.
When band director Dwight Weaver first came to Avon Grove High School 24 years ago, there were just 37 students in band.
"Although, the school was much smaller then," Weaver said.
The band has grown in the years since, so much so that music students have been split into two concert bands for performances. However, students have a chance to play in more intimate groups for the band's Small Ensemble/Jazz Concert to be held on March 19.
So far this year, the AGHS marching band has performed in two parades. In the Sept. 18 Solanco Parade, the band took first place.
Most recently, the band played in the Miss America Parade, held in Atlantic City, N.J., where they placed fifth out of approximately 20 bands from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland.
"There were some really good bands there," Weaver said. "To get in the top five is really an accomplishment."
Including this weekend's Homecoming Parade, the band will compete in five more parades this fall, including: the Ephrata Parade on Sept. 25, Homecoming, the New Holland Parade on Oct. 2, the Baltimore Parade on Oct. 6 and the Newark Halloween Parade on Oct. 27.
Later this year, the band is scheduled to travel to the Niagara Falls-Toronto area to perform in Niagara's Blossom Festival and possibly at a Toronto Expos baseball game.
Next year, the AGHS marching band will most likely become a highlight of the Avon Grove football games, Weaver said.
The excitement of performing and fun trips are not the only things that draw high school students the band, however, Weaver said.
"I think, over the years we have been very successful and have built a reputation for doing well," Weaver said. "Kids want to be a part of something successful. And each year, students pass on traditions and more kids are drawn into the band."
Many band students who graduate carry the AGHS band experience into their college years. Currently, AGHS band alumni play at Ohio State University, Clemson University, University of Kentucky, West Chester University, Millersville University, Shippensburg University, Gettysburg College, Grove City College, Geneva University and Penn State University.
However, what makes Weaver most proud of his years at Avon Grove are the kinds of people the band has turned out, not necessarily the caliber of musicians.
"I'm proud of the type of kids we have had here," he said. "They're great, they work hard and are dedicated to what we do. They are just neat kids."
Weaver creates a meaningful experience for most band students. Many of his prior students still keep in touch and some return every year to play in the Holiday Band Concert, scheduled for Dec. 15 this year.
In fact, Weaver has so many visiting alumni attend the holiday concert that he has decided to have a reception room this year, for band alumni only.
"I'm just happy that so many kids had a good enough experience while they were here, that they keep in touch and come back for the concerts."
