History of Excellence - Bartow High School Band
Bartow High School, formally the Summerlin Institute, started their band program with Theodore J. Ehrlich from Tampa was appointed by the Polk County School Board to organize a band at the Summerlin Institute in January 1938.
Prior to 1938, Bartow had a town band and visiting bands performed in Bartow. Most notable was the December 17, 1937 concert by the Sebring High School Band that was organized by P.J. Gustat in 1927. This fine, highly developed award-winning band created much interest in Bartow which led to the hiring of Ted Ehrlich two weeks later.
Prior to 1938, Bartow had a town band and visiting bands performed in Bartow. Most notable was the December 17, 1937 concert by the Sebring High School Band that was organized by P.J. Gustat in 1927. This fine, highly developed award-winning band created much interest in Bartow which led to the hiring of Ted Ehrlich two weeks later.
Sixteen band directors had a part in the development of the band during the past 65 years
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Throughout the years, the Bartow bands have participated in parades, halftime performances at football games, concerts, community celebrations, and in the Florida Bandmasters Association contests (Festivals).
Pass bands have participated in the parades of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Winchester, Virginia, The Walt Disney grand opening parade and have marched in other parades at Disney World. They have also participated in the Citrus Festival Parade in Winter Haven, the Lakeland Christmas parade. In 1997, they were invited to perform at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta Georgia. The band annually marches in the Bartow Halloween and Christmas Parades. In November 2000, the band was invited to perform their half-time music of “West Side Story”for the Republican Rally at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. They were the only band present and received many fine compliments from the crowd. In January 2002, The Bartow High School Band and Dance Team had the distinction of performing at the Nokia Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
The Bartow High School Band of 2004-2005 season has achieved a high level of marching and playing proficiency. They received a superior rating at the Pride of Kathleen Marching Festival and they received the superior rating at the Florida in Masters District #12 marching festival. This is a band that has built upon tradition and achievement of the past and continues to strive for even higher levels in to the future.
The musicians of the marching band are a combination of the concert and symphonic bands from grades 9 through 12. The Dance Team or Code Blue Dancers, perform flag work in addition to their dance routines. Together they produce is very entertaining show.
During its concert season, the Bartow High School Band performs Christmas and Spring Concerts, a pre-festival concert, competes at the Florida Bandmasters #12 Concert Festival and plays for graduation each spring. The Bartow High School band is also proudly represented Florida band solo and ensemble competitions, All-County County Band, All-State Band and The Festival Winds at the University of South Florida and the Tri-State Band at The Florida State University. All of these competitions and exhibitions are conducive to maintaining the strength and quality of musicianship of the band.
Many Bartow high school graduates have gone on the play in universities and service bands. Some have played professionally or teaching in schools today. Others continue to play their instruments in their church groups or in community bands throughout the state.
The band has an active booster group that works very diligently for the band. The band boosters plan fundraisers for the group, such as operating the concession stands at the football games. The boosters also chaperone the band on many trips during the school year at festival competitions and football games.
Bartow High and the residents of this community can certainly take pride in their band as traditions of excellence and quality are evident with every step. The members and boosters of Bartow High School Band extend their sincere appreciation to the city of Bartow and the High School for their continued support.
Pass bands have participated in the parades of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Winchester, Virginia, The Walt Disney grand opening parade and have marched in other parades at Disney World. They have also participated in the Citrus Festival Parade in Winter Haven, the Lakeland Christmas parade. In 1997, they were invited to perform at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta Georgia. The band annually marches in the Bartow Halloween and Christmas Parades. In November 2000, the band was invited to perform their half-time music of “West Side Story”for the Republican Rally at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. They were the only band present and received many fine compliments from the crowd. In January 2002, The Bartow High School Band and Dance Team had the distinction of performing at the Nokia Sugar Bowl in New Orleans.
The Bartow High School Band of 2004-2005 season has achieved a high level of marching and playing proficiency. They received a superior rating at the Pride of Kathleen Marching Festival and they received the superior rating at the Florida in Masters District #12 marching festival. This is a band that has built upon tradition and achievement of the past and continues to strive for even higher levels in to the future.
The musicians of the marching band are a combination of the concert and symphonic bands from grades 9 through 12. The Dance Team or Code Blue Dancers, perform flag work in addition to their dance routines. Together they produce is very entertaining show.
During its concert season, the Bartow High School Band performs Christmas and Spring Concerts, a pre-festival concert, competes at the Florida Bandmasters #12 Concert Festival and plays for graduation each spring. The Bartow High School band is also proudly represented Florida band solo and ensemble competitions, All-County County Band, All-State Band and The Festival Winds at the University of South Florida and the Tri-State Band at The Florida State University. All of these competitions and exhibitions are conducive to maintaining the strength and quality of musicianship of the band.
Many Bartow high school graduates have gone on the play in universities and service bands. Some have played professionally or teaching in schools today. Others continue to play their instruments in their church groups or in community bands throughout the state.
The band has an active booster group that works very diligently for the band. The band boosters plan fundraisers for the group, such as operating the concession stands at the football games. The boosters also chaperone the band on many trips during the school year at festival competitions and football games.
Bartow High and the residents of this community can certainly take pride in their band as traditions of excellence and quality are evident with every step. The members and boosters of Bartow High School Band extend their sincere appreciation to the city of Bartow and the High School for their continued support.