The Long Red Line(Alumni)
FROM THE DIRECTOR
The picture you see above was taken in the fall of 1987 on the middle lawn of the front campus (I am the sousaphone on the left). This was Dave Burton’s first year as Band Director. My first year in the Big Red Band was under the direction of Mr. and Mrs. Kent and Felice Jorgeson. It was a great privilege to have both Mr. Burton and the Jorgesons as my Band Directors.
As I look back over the years, I recognize the degree to which marching in the Big Red Band as a youth has influenced my life; even my choice of career. Leadership abilities, love of music, and a strong work ethic were all fostered years ago, marching in straight red lines across a football field, and down the streets of Parkersburg. It is a great privilege to be the first Alumni Band Director at PHS. What a daunting role to fill, and an incredible means by which to give back to the organization which helped mold who I am today.
While at PHS from 1986 to 1989, I participated in the award winning Acapella Choir, Jazz Band, Marching and Concert Band, All-State Band, and any other music ensemble I could find. After High School I went to Glenville State College and received my degree in Music Education K-12. My teaching career began at Mt. Hope High School, and continued to Capital Christian Academy in Maryland, then back to WV at Meadow Bridge HS, Huntington HS, and now home to PHS.
It is a great honor to carry the torch of the Big Red Band. I’m dedicated to upholding its standards of excellence, and to continue giving to the community what they are used to seeing and hearing from this band. Please feel free to drop me a line, call, or even stop in for a visit. You have all made me feel so welcome, thank you. It’s great to be home!
Long Live The Big Red Band!!
Sincerely,
Daniel B. White
Past Directors of the Big Red Band