The West Haven High School Blue Devil Band...
From Humble Beginnings:
In 1963, Alton S. Crabtree Jr. (Mr. "C." to his
students, "Skip" to his friends) was hired to teach music at West Haven High
School. At that time, there were 17 students in the high school band. The
addition of elementary school and middle school musicians was necessary just to
perform field shows.
From the very beginning of his tenure in West Haven, Mr. "C."
worked diligently, rehearsing, performing, touring, and most importantly,
recruiting! It didn't take long for the high school band program to grow,
prosper, and eventually become one of the most sought after performing groups in
the area.
Under Mr. Crabtree's direction, the West Haven High School
Blue Devil Band wrote a very impressive resume for itself, including
performances in Canada, Florida, California, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and Hawaii.
They were selected to lead the Fourth of July Parade in Walt Disney World and
Disney Land on 14 separate occasions and truly became West Haven's "ambassadors
of good will."
At the time of Mr. "C."'s retirement in 2002, the West Haven
High School Blue Devil Band had over 200 participating members, an active Band
Parent's Association, and an incredible reputation. Throughout his 39 year
career in West Haven, Mr. Crabtree devoted himself to building a successful
program, and, more importantly, a Band Family, known and respected for its
talent, musicianship, dedication, and continuous strive for excellence!
Carrying on the Tradition of Excellence:
Upon his retirement, Mr. "C." turned the reigns over
to former West Haven High School Band Member and Class of 1995 Alumnus,
Cassandra K. Marcella. Since that time, the band has continued to grow and of
course to prosper, averaging 40 - 50 performances a year and continuing its
annual performing tours.
In addition to working with the Marching Band and Concert
Band, Ms. "M." has begun to build a thriving Jazz Band and ensemble program.
West Haven High School has begun to compete in C.M.E.A. (Connecticut Music
Educators' Association) Regional and All State Competitions and the Band has
twice been named "Best Public School Marching Unit" in New Haven's annual Saint
Patrick's Day Parade.
With the help of wonderful Student Leadership Teams,
dedicated Band Parent Associations, and of course Mr. "C."'s continued
assistance and guidance, Ms. "M." sees nothing but success ahead for the future
generations of the West Haven High School Band Family.
39 Years of
Tradition and Excellence
Mr. Alton S.
Crabtree, Jr.
Director of Bands
West Haven High School
1963-2002
~
Mr. "C." ~
Thank you so
very much for all of your
dedication, energy, and sacrifice in building our
West Haven High School Blue Devil Band.
You have left behind a legend that will not soon be forgotten.
We will do our best to carry on your "Tradition of
Excellence"
and as always, we will do it
"WITH PRIDE!"
Music Education at West Haven High School
Marching/Concert Band - Musicians (MU 705) - Band is a 1 credit course
that meets 8th period every day. In addition to class rehearsals, musicians are
required to attend summer rehearsals in late August as well as Extended
Rehearsals after school approximately 2 days a week. Attendance at all Football
and Concert Performances is Mandatory. Prerequisite - Past participation in Elementary, Middle, or High School
Band and signature of Middle School or High School Band Director.
Color Guard - Flag and Rifle (MU 707) - Color Guard is a 1 credit course that meets 7th
period every day. In addition to class rehearsals, Guard Members are required to
attend summer rehearsals in late July and August as well as Extended Rehearsals
after school approximately 2 days a week. Attendance at all Football and Concert
Performances is Mandatory. Prerequisite - Signature of Middle School or High School Band or Color
Guard Director.
Chorus (MU 0711) - Chorus is a non-auditioned group open to all students
(with Mrs. Silver's permission) who are seriously interested in learning and
performing choral repertoire.
Camerata (MU 0716) - Camerata is an upper level female vocal group that
is by audition only. Please see Mrs. Silver for more information.
Bel Canto (MU 0710) - Bel Canto is an upper level vocal group that is
by audition only. Please see Mrs. Silver for more information.
Gospel Choir (MU 0719) - This is a half credit course for students wishing to perform gospel literature including spirituals, anthems, and traditional African American Hyms.
Blue Notes (MU 0720) - This is a half credit male vocal ensemble for students wishing to perform rock, do-wop, jazz, and R&B.
Musicianship (MU 0708) - This is a full credit course designed for more accomplished musicians and those preparing for college music/theater auditions. Students will be expected to have prior musical knowledge and will be expected to sing as part of their participation in class.
Music Theory I, II (MU 701, 702) - Each section of
music theory is a .5 credit course that meets every day for half a year. These
courses are designed to help further note and rhythm reading skills as well as
understanding of major and minor key signatures, time signatures and other
musical concepts. Theory I and III are offered in the Fall Semester and Theory
II and IV are offered in the Spring Semester.
Prerequisite - Prior instrumental or choral experience, participation in
the previous section of theory, and signature of Middle School or High School
Band Director.
Class Piano (MU 0718) - This is a half credit course designed to familiarize students with the baics of piano playing.
Other Performance Opportunities at West Haven High School
Blue Devil Jazz Band (Tuesday Evenings from 6:00-8:00 p.m.) - Jazz Band is an auditioned
ensemble that rehearses 2 hours a week and performs several times a year.
Auditions are open to all musicians at West Haven High School but priority is
given to W.H.H.S. Band Members.
Brasswind Ensemble (Wednesday Evenings from 6:00-8:00
p.m.) - Brass-Wind Ensemble is an auditioned group that rehearses 2
hours a week. This Ensemble is designed for serious musicians who are interested
in performing more difficult, classical repertoire. Auditions are open to all
musicians at West Haven High School but priority is given to W.H.H.S. Band
Members.
Flute Ensemble, Clarinet Choir, Sax-tet (One day a week
from 5:30-6:15 p.m.) - These smaller ensembles are open to all
interested musicians. No audition is necessary but regular attendance at
rehearsals is a must.
W.H.H.S. Pep Band (Selected Away Football
Games) - Pep Band is open to all musicians who are interested in attending
various away games to support our football team. No audition or uniform is
required. Rehearsals are held one hour prior to departure for each game.
Alumni Jazz Band (Rehearses in May and June for June Senior Tribute
Concert) - Alumni Jazz Band is open to all West Haven High School
Band Alumni. This ensemble begins rehearsals at the end of May/beginning of June
in preparation to open our annual Senior Tribute Concert. Please contact Ms.
"M." for more information.