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Date: 3/23/2022
WEST SPRINGFIELD — A black and white photo in the band room at West Springfield High School (WSHS) has been an inspiration for Band Director Nathan Holesovsky since he came to the school in 2017. It shows a 1960s-era WSHS marching band on the steps of the U.S. Capitol.
“Those were the band’s glory days,” he said. “They had 100 members. I want to bring those days back.”
He’s close to that goal. Under his direction, the number of grade 9-12 students in the band program has tripled, from 28 to nearly 85. He said that first group of students “was small but mighty.”
“Since being hired, I’ve basically renewed the traditions that made the band so successful in its past: Strong, unified marching and concert bands that play exciting and challenging music that both students and the audience could get behind,” Holesovsky said.
One of the most visible aspects of Holesovsky’s rebuilding program will be seen next fall when the Marching Terriers steps onto Clark Field for its first football game.
They will be wearing new uniforms in the school colors of blue and white, replacing the black-and-white uniforms that have been worn for the past 24 years. Many of the old uniforms are in disrepair and are also missing parts.
Last week, band members were measured for their new uniforms by a representative of Missouri-based Stanbury Uniforms. The company expects to deliver them by July. Plans to replace the uniforms began in 2019, but ordering was delayed because of the pandemic.
He said the process started when a committee of band and color guard members and parents reviewed initial sketches and designs created by students and color guard coach Shelby Rider. The West Springfield Music Parents Association also began discussing fund-raising events and grant writing proposals to pay for the uniforms.
Not only is the band getting new uniforms, but band members and parents no longer have to worry about how to pay for them. The School Department is picking up the entire $57,000 tab for the uniforms from its school choice fund — an account that receives tuition payments from other towns whose students who attend West Springfield’s public schools.
Holesovsky said the fund can be used for projects such as new uniforms. He added that he and the band are “grateful” to WSHS Principal Patrick Danby, School Superintendent Timothy Connor, Associate Superintendent Vito Perrone, Mayor William Reichelt, School Committee members and the Music Parents Association for their help.
The district is ordering 125 uniforms, including 15 color guard uniforms, at a cost of about $450 per student.
“When purchasing new uniforms, it’s important to order 10 to 15 percent more than your current band numbers, to have plenty of extra-size options for future kids in the program,” explained Holesovsky.
The new uniforms are a poly-fiber blend, allowing them to “breathe” in warm weather and to trap air in the cold. The current uniforms are all wool — and extremely hot, especially in August and September when the band has many performances.
Unlike the current ones, the new uniforms can be machine-washed when needed, rather than needing to be dry-cleaned. Holesovsky said among other advantages, the new uniforms are also easier to put on — just one zipper in the jacket’s back — and the trousers come up higher under the jacket.
“I really like it that the new uniform pants are adjustable for our different sizes, instead of just one size for everyone,” said junior Emily Gariepy, who plays trombone. “Plus, they’re more comfortable to wear since they have a breathable fabric.”
Saxophone player Samuel Blaser, a junior, called the new uniforms a “big improvement” over the current uniforms.
“I like that they match our school colors,” Blaser said.
Drum major Julianna Hoague is graduating, so the senior won’t get to wear a new uniform. “I’m a little sad. I won’t get to have the experience of wearing it during my high school career, but I’m still excited that we’re finally getting new uniforms.”
Junior drum major Kayla Walsh, however, will be wearing a new uniform — and she’s excited about that.
“The old ones aren’t temperature flexible — they’re always hot, even when it’s cold outside, because they’re made of wool,” she said.
“They will be new, so this will give the band an energy boost. We’ll look awesome in our school colors and be ready to give it our best,” Walsh said.
Holesovsky also is giving the rebuilding effort his best, too. He’s put together what he calls “some amazing shows” for the band, including the music of Green Day, Queen, and 1980s and 1970s disco music.
In addition to half-time shows, the band has participated in concert band music festivals such as the regional Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association Festival and Heritage Festival in Washington, D.C., and New York City.
“The band received many awards and slowly built up its momentum — and kids started joining,” said Holesovsky.
This season, the marching band has 85 members, both winds and percussion, and another 10 to 12 members in the color guard.
“We’re excited about this growth. I look forward to having a band of 100 members very soon,” he said. Holesovsky added that 100 is the “perfect size” band for the high school’s 1,300 students.
Not only did the pandemic delay getting new band uniforms, but it also added other challenges that forced the band to do things differently. There were no football games in the fall of 2020, so the band put on a socially-distanced performance in the school parking lot, playing music from the 1980s as its theme.
“I’m proud to say the marching band played on as parents watched us from their cars — using horn sounds as applause,” recalled Holesovsky. “During winter months when we couldn’t go outside, we put together two virtual performances that were professionally edited and shared with the community.”
Spring 2021 saw the band play a Beatles medley on stage without an audience and broadcast via the internet.
“The pandemic was challenging for our program, but I’m very proud of the resilience and dedication of our members,” he said.