WEST MIFFLIN — At the start of the season, marching band director Jayson Monroe said he had high hopes for this year’s show, “All in Good Time.”
Recently, the Titan Thunder Marching Band met those expectations.
The band captured high honors at McKeesport’s Tournament of Bands, scoring a 77.93, good for first place in the competition, as well as the high music achievement award and high visual effect award.
“When we were at band camp, I had really high hopes for this show with the way they (the students) were projecting at camp. Now, we’re eight, nine weeks down the road, and it’s been a tremendous journey watching these guys get better and better each week,” Monroe said.
What was especially exciting to Monroe is that the judges noted West Mifflin’s achievement was high enough that the group can handle more during shows.
“They have really flourished this year,” Monroe said. “I think that this was an eye-opener for them, because they saw bands they’ve never seen before. They saw programs that do a lot more of the theatrics behind the pageantry arts. … Stuff that we’ve never done here before.”
For many band members, it was their first time in a competition instead of just a festival.
“In a lot of ways, I think it was invigorating for (the students). … It’s good critique for the kids, and it’s always a good extra performance opportunity for them,” Monroe said.
The band also recently received a $500 donation from Shults Ford. General Manager Bob Doman stopped by WMAHS one day to present the check and talk to the band members.
Doman brought cowboy keychains and yeehaw white socks for senior band members, and some even received Bazzi sunglasses.
“The kids were really excited to have the support of the community,” Monroe said. “The band is a visual (representation) of the school district. We’re doing parades, we’re doing football games, we go to festivals. … Having the chance to work with (Shults Ford), it’s all about building community. It’s phenomenal.”
The band will continue its busy fall with the Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11 in Pittsburgh. So far, the Titan Thunder has performed at the South Allegheny Band Festival, the McKeesport Tournament of Bands, the Tri-M Charity Halloween Concert, and, of course, at halftime of football games.
In addition, the band will take part in the Steel Valley Parade and St. Patrick’s Day Parade, hold its annual holiday concert, and also recently received board approval for a trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in the spring.
“I’m looking forward to doing some more things with the program,” Monroe said.
He added, “I really could not be prouder of (our kids). I think their hard work this year just speaks to where the program is headed, and I think we have some really great things ahead of us. It’s just going to keep getting better and better.”