Worthington-West Franklin
High School
Worthington, PA
1933 - 1984
WORTHINGTON-WEST FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL BAND
This Centennial year 1963 marks the tenth anniversary of the famous Worthington-West Franklin High School Band. The organization was officially formed as a musical unit in the summer of 1953.
Over fifty years had elapsed between the eras of our two fine musical organizations. However, it is little wonder that with the musical legacy bequeathed it by its musical forbear it should turn out to be one of the finest bands in the state. In ten short years and organized from one of the smaller high schools in the state (enrollment is under five hundred students) this group of musicians has established a record second to none.
The history of the Band and how it was organized is a classic example of great combined community effort. It is a well established fact that few communities support the efforts of the Band and its director to the extent that the people of the Worthington area do.
Shortly after the second World War, efforts were made by interested individuals and groups to organize a band. Through the interest of Mr. James V. Colonna, director of the Kittanning High School Band, Kittanning, Pa., and his deep concern to see the formation of a musical unit in Worthington, free concerts were conducted by the Kittanning High School Band on the Worthington-West Franklin High School lawn under Mr. Colonna's direction. These concerts did a great deal to stimulate the desire to see a band organized.
However, it was not until 1951 that the Worthington Lions Club adopted in the form of a resolution, to explore the possibilities of the formation of a band and to adopt as a club project the securing of a musical director.
In 1953 the School Board and school administration secured Mr. John B. Cutler as the school's first band director.
With but a handful of students with any musical knowledge Mr. Cutler before many months had put together a fine group of children that he had taught to play each and every instrument.
The Band made its first public appearance in the Lions Club's Annual Halloween Parade, dressed as mummers, and much to the pride and joy of the boys and girls, Mr. Cutler, and the entire community. This great event took place Friday, October 29, 1953.
With the band a reality its sponsoring groups were quick to lend their support. A Band Mothers Organization was formed. The P. T. A., Worthington-West Franklin Fire Department, Lions Club, and other groups and individuals all became vitally interested in working for and doing for the band. Through the efforts of the school board and these organizations sixty-five uniforms were purchased. Almost all of the instruments were secured by the students. Some instruments were purchased as time went on by various organizations. It has often been said that the Worthington-West Franklin High School Band is one of the finest examples of 100% community effort.
Under Mr. Cutler the band embarked on its road to glory and fame competing as a street-marching band in the Junior Division. In four years of competition the unit compiled an enviable record. They took many first places and were roundly applauded wherever they went.
In February 1958 Mr. Cutler accepted a position with the Kittanning School system. Mr. Alex C. Costanza succeeded him.
Under Mr. Costanza the band continued to make great strides in the Junior Band Division, competing in parades throughout the area.
By 1961 the Band had grown to seventy-five members including majorettes. The organization had established its own reputation as one of the finest and a tremendous crowd pleaser. The band remained in continual practice throughout the summer months.
It has been said that our band has probably done more to acquaint people with the name Worthington than any other single thing. They are known throughout the entire Tri-State area.
Under
Mr. Cutler and Mr. Costanza their nine-year record reads:
117 Competitions entered
98 Firsts (Most Points)
This is truly an amazing record and a great tribute to the boys and girls and
their directors.
Possibly the band's greatest win was the out-pointing of the famed Saegertown High School Marching Band at Sligo, Pa. last summer.
The director of the Saegertown Band was quoted as saying, The Worthington Band is one of the finest in the state and is feared by all who compete with it.
At a banquet last fall at the Worthington Firehall the band was awarded the All-State Judges Association Trophy for having scored the most points in parades their organization judged.
Mr. Costanza was awarded a trophy as the outstanding Junior Band Director.
Mr. Costanza resigned his position last June and is at present musical director at Shannock Valley High School, Rural Valley, Pa. He has been succeeded by his brother Victor.
1963 Centennial Booklet