The wall in the backgroung makes reminds of Marshalls old Fairfield stadium b ack in the day . I was a band member in 1986 - 1989 go big reds (baritone)
How great this was. We can be this again! Encourage the study of music in your children now! You can influence young people to choose band and build on our tradition.
I hope Chet Backus is smiling pround watching over the band from above Chet will forever be the the best drum instructor. Rest In Peace Chet we will miss you .
I beleive this was 1982 , My brother in the band in 1984 and I was a member from 1986 - 1988 ,My sister was in the band rifle corp in 82 and I think this is from then. We didnt have rifle corp in 1984. Well thanks for posting keep up the good work at PHS best band around always will be. Class of 88.
this was awesome, i was a member of the wahama marching band from 95-98 and we always had respect for PHS as we were the only two bands that i knew of that marched military style. I really there were more videos available from both bands. we had discipline, no makeup, nail polish, or jewelry if you had long hair boy or girl it was up you had to take band as a class and you practiced all summer and every night after school no exceptions. i was told wahama now only practices one night a week
I graduated in 1982 and am so proud to have been a part of this amazing marching tradition! The Jorgesons were tough, but the results speak for themselves. Nothing wrong with good hard work. Bravo!!
It was 1984. My one and only year in the band prior to moving off to Texas. We won competitions, but I still remember getting the standing O at Brooke with this show.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Yea it is, south's marching band knows that the military style for high school bands is out. It's evolution for high school bands, and PHS is being left behind
First of all- when I was a member of the Big Red Band from1979 to 1981 it was pretty much only PHS and Wahama still doing military style. The Corps style was pretty much already "in" back then. So it's not being left behind- but a conscious choice. Second- as a general statement it would be wrong to say South or PHS was the better band because that would vary from year to year based on the members. And in terms of overall playing and marching- NO current band is as good as the one in this video.
Thank you for the kind words dough63. We worked very hard to be this good. It was all worth it too. I look back with a great deal of pride to have been a part of something so special. When the Big Red Band marched down the street people couldn't help but stare. Love us or hate us, you could help but watch the Big Red Band.
Not to be a pill but it is attributed to 1984 because it was. This was at Fairfield Stadium in September 1984. I was a sophmore that year. Trust me, on this. I think I've got some snapshots somewhere. Thanks again Doug.
Hey, Doug -- great post! Any idea what why this is attributed to '84? A lot of it could be '82 -- Kent / Felice / Chet did reuse a lot of these elements... So, I'm just wondering what the thinking is behind calling it '84...? Thanks for the post! -Creel
Well, I called it 82 to begin with and caught a bunch of flack from 82 people saying it wasn't them. So I really don't know what year it was other than it was after I graduated in 1981.
There was a presense about the band back in those days. Other band would stare in disbelief as we marched by. Love or hated the Big Red Band commanded respect. The stories that could be told if I had the space!
I wish we had been that great my years in the band but i have a lot of the old band videos and would like to put them on you tube but i don't know how to convert them
1984 was the only year that we had rifles while I was in the band, 1984-1987. The girls were under the direction of Jim Sturgeon. They always worked hard and looked sharp. We always had a color guard though. ROTC began in 1986-1987, my last year in the band.
I apologize if anyone found my comment about the pride not really being there offensive. That was not my intention.
I will be a member of the Big Red Marching Band this following school year. It's the main thing I'm looking forward to at PHS. They were really good (and big) back in '84! I never knew that band used to have marching auxillary though.
That's me on the 42 yard line, right side. The date was October 20, 1984. We took top honors as the Outstand band. We finished 1st in the open class. Percussion took first place as did rifles.
We were DISCIPLINED. When the awards were announced we did not react. As we marched back to the buses people were saying "Congratulations Parkersburg! When we were finally at ease a huge cheer went up! We fell into each others arms laughing and crying. So great seeing this again.
Yes. Back before guidance counselors started telling kids they don't need to be in extra curricular activities- just do college prep and before soccer and so many other things. And before the resulting quality of the music education overall suffering from the Jr. Highs on up which can also be attributed to parents who don't teach their children commitment and dedication. "You mean Johnny has to be at EVERY practice and EVERY performance and we can't just take off on vacation when we want to?"
WOW!!! back in the day big red band..... grad of 1999 brings back a lot memories it rocks... i wish the band now would get back to they way.. It is on a good start with mr white being there hope it keeps going
I attended PHS for only one year in 1961, dropped out to go in Army (big mistake). I saw the band at a few football games, but that was in 1961. Thanks for the memories! Great Video
As a member of the Parkersburg South Marching Band from 1974 to 1977 The Big Red band couldn't hold to us. But when the Jorgensens took over the Band reached fantastic heights. There is still something about seeing the red coats and white pants on a green field. It makes them look really awesome.
I think this is from 1984 at MArshall Un. There was no rifle corp in 82 and I played the trumpet solo my senior year. This is the Copeland show. Also the parade is "Indian Fire" and it was in Charleston at the sterwheel regatta. Do you have any more videos? I haven't seen this since I was in H.S. I thought all of the videos were lost.
Gosh, I wish PHS (high school bands in general) were still as big and as good as this. It would be so amazing to be apart of a big band like this. If only this would happen again, so I could share the feeling...Great video!
My dad played Trumpet in the Big Red Band from 1971-1975.
awesomeologyism 5 months ago
My dad played Trumpet in the Big Red Band from '71-'75.
awesomeologyism 5 months ago
The wall in the backgroung makes reminds of Marshalls old Fairfield stadium b ack in the day . I was a band member in 1986 - 1989 go big reds (baritone)
jcshep26101 5 months ago
How great this was. We can be this again! Encourage the study of music in your children now! You can influence young people to choose band and build on our tradition.
lipplady 5 months ago
I hope Chet Backus is smiling pround watching over the band from above Chet will forever be the the best drum instructor. Rest In Peace Chet we will miss you .
jcshep26101 6 months ago in playlist Dan's Favorite
I beleive this was 1982 , My brother in the band in 1984 and I was a member from 1986 - 1988 ,My sister was in the band rifle corp in 82 and I think this is from then. We didnt have rifle corp in 1984. Well thanks for posting keep up the good work at PHS best band around always will be. Class of 88.
jcshep26101 1 year ago
this was awesome, i was a member of the wahama marching band from 95-98 and we always had respect for PHS as we were the only two bands that i knew of that marched military style. I really there were more videos available from both bands. we had discipline, no makeup, nail polish, or jewelry if you had long hair boy or girl it was up you had to take band as a class and you practiced all summer and every night after school no exceptions. i was told wahama now only practices one night a week
drn7nk 1 year ago
I graduated in 1982 and am so proud to have been a part of this amazing marching tradition! The Jorgesons were tough, but the results speak for themselves. Nothing wrong with good hard work. Bravo!!
nxae9pt 2 years ago
This is just how marching band is meant to be done.
marikuo 2 years ago 3
I wish there were more videos from back then!
MrSNdrummer1 2 years ago
Nobody thought to save them. I talked to Mr. Jorgeson about that and he said they were just work parts and tools. Nobody thought about saving them.
dough63 2 years ago
It was 1984. My one and only year in the band prior to moving off to Texas. We won competitions, but I still remember getting the standing O at Brooke with this show.
bcwmovies 2 years ago
We need some vids up of 97. that was the last real band we had (even though it /was/ wiseman leading, we were still burton's band.)
leary6996 2 years ago
I think we all feel like our own Senior year was the "last REAL band".
But I would vote for 97 as being the last "Great" percussion, and by great, I mean kicked ass and took names.
bandman614 2 years ago
GRAND CHAMPIONS THAT DAY BABY!
drdirocco 2 years ago
It's only a matter of class. Some people have it, some people don't.
drdirocco 2 years ago
The South Marching band is wayyy better
trumpetkid19 2 years ago
yeah right!
tlcham23 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Yea it is, south's marching band knows that the military style for high school bands is out. It's evolution for high school bands, and PHS is being left behind
trumpetkid19 2 years ago
First of all- when I was a member of the Big Red Band from1979 to 1981 it was pretty much only PHS and Wahama still doing military style. The Corps style was pretty much already "in" back then. So it's not being left behind- but a conscious choice. Second- as a general statement it would be wrong to say South or PHS was the better band because that would vary from year to year based on the members. And in terms of overall playing and marching- NO current band is as good as the one in this video.
dough63 2 years ago
Thank you for the kind words dough63. We worked very hard to be this good. It was all worth it too. I look back with a great deal of pride to have been a part of something so special. When the Big Red Band marched down the street people couldn't help but stare. Love us or hate us, you could help but watch the Big Red Band.
drdirocco 2 years ago
Oops I was wrong on the date it was October 20th, 1984.
drdirocco 3 years ago
Not to be a pill but it is attributed to 1984 because it was. This was at Fairfield Stadium in September 1984. I was a sophmore that year. Trust me, on this. I think I've got some snapshots somewhere. Thanks again Doug.
drdirocco 3 years ago 2
Hey, Doug -- great post! Any idea what why this is attributed to '84? A lot of it could be '82 -- Kent / Felice / Chet did reuse a lot of these elements... So, I'm just wondering what the thinking is behind calling it '84...? Thanks for the post! -Creel
emptysea65 3 years ago
Well, I called it 82 to begin with and caught a bunch of flack from 82 people saying it wasn't them. So I really don't know what year it was other than it was after I graduated in 1981.
dough63 3 years ago
That was crazy!!!!!! That's what Big Red pride is all about. Go Trombones!!!!!
PHSTrombone08 3 years ago 5
i play football for phs.
i have props for band.
music is probbally most important in life.
glitchalot 3 years ago 2
man, too bad noone cares about the music program at PHS anymore, especially the directors
EricfromWV 3 years ago
There was a presense about the band back in those days. Other band would stare in disbelief as we marched by. Love or hated the Big Red Band commanded respect. The stories that could be told if I had the space!
drdirocco 3 years ago
Sounds like the beginnings of a blog or web forum to me. Then everyone could share stories from there years and maybe inspire the new members.
dough63 3 years ago
There was one stared on My Space. Last time I looked there was only one post.
drdirocco 3 years ago
Its a shame the music programs are going to shit these days. I had to quit the band and work completely on my own to improve like I did.
Dan + EJ = HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Byers2008 3 years ago
I wish we had been that great my years in the band but i have a lot of the old band videos and would like to put them on you tube but i don't know how to convert them
robbier724 3 years ago
YAY!!
I'll be there in 2009...
9th-12th grade!
I'm excited...
I go to Jackson Now!!!
Ariana12LuvsNat 3 years ago
Ariana- I went to Jackson too, a long time ago.
drdirocco 3 years ago
Neale, Jackson, now PHS. Just try to hold that excitement in :-)
What you play?
thegreatscar 3 years ago
thegreatscar- I was a flute player.
drdirocco 3 years ago
1984 was the only year that we had rifles while I was in the band, 1984-1987. The girls were under the direction of Jim Sturgeon. They always worked hard and looked sharp. We always had a color guard though. ROTC began in 1986-1987, my last year in the band.
I apologize if anyone found my comment about the pride not really being there offensive. That was not my intention.
drdirocco 3 years ago
WOW, one of the last years for the Rifle Corp and the Color Guard. Wonderful video, thanks for posting!!!!
greatcow95 3 years ago
This video is making me seasick
kingmouse7 3 years ago
Then don't watch it. Most everyone else appreciates seeing what the band looked like years ago.
dough63 3 years ago
does nobody in parkersburg have a sense of humor?
kingmouse7 3 years ago
Yes, they do, but remember- emotions and intent don't come across in plain text without some help! :)
dough63 3 years ago
The difference is the pride isn't really there now. We worked hard for a common goal. That goal was to be the very best band in the state.
To "trupetkicksbrass"- Work hard and wear the uniform with pride.
drdirocco 3 years ago
Wow! This video really points out how bad the band has gotten over the years.
SarahFOTGITB 3 years ago
I will be a member of the Big Red Marching Band this following school year. It's the main thing I'm looking forward to at PHS. They were really good (and big) back in '84! I never knew that band used to have marching auxillary though.
trumpetkicksbrass 4 years ago
Oh yes, the rifle corps won many titles. When the ROTC came in, the rifle corps was phased out, I believe, along with the color guard.
greatcow95 3 years ago
That's me on the 42 yard line, right side. The date was October 20, 1984. We took top honors as the Outstand band. We finished 1st in the open class. Percussion took first place as did rifles.
We were DISCIPLINED. When the awards were announced we did not react. As we marched back to the buses people were saying "Congratulations Parkersburg! When we were finally at ease a huge cheer went up! We fell into each others arms laughing and crying. So great seeing this again.
drdirocco 4 years ago
PHS, The School of Champions! wooo
qwigeebo 4 years ago 3
Wow, PHS band used to have more than 40 people in it?
EricfromWV 4 years ago
Yes. Back before guidance counselors started telling kids they don't need to be in extra curricular activities- just do college prep and before soccer and so many other things. And before the resulting quality of the music education overall suffering from the Jr. Highs on up which can also be attributed to parents who don't teach their children commitment and dedication. "You mean Johnny has to be at EVERY practice and EVERY performance and we can't just take off on vacation when we want to?"
dough63 4 years ago
WOW!!! back in the day big red band..... grad of 1999 brings back a lot memories it rocks... i wish the band now would get back to they way.. It is on a good start with mr white being there hope it keeps going
mubandgeek07 4 years ago
WOW, Thanks for posting this.
It's great to see old-school quality bands again.
As an 84 PHS grad. this really took me back a few years.
RESDEP 4 years ago
Oh wow, we were good in 95 but only on our best days did we come close to this. (tenor saxophone, 95-98)
justinmbarnes 4 years ago
I attended PHS for only one year in 1961, dropped out to go in Army (big mistake). I saw the band at a few football games, but that was in 1961. Thanks for the memories! Great Video
dlhusk 5 years ago
As a member of the Parkersburg South Marching Band from 1974 to 1977 The Big Red band couldn't hold to us. But when the Jorgensens took over the Band reached fantastic heights. There is still something about seeing the red coats and white pants on a green field. It makes them look really awesome.
wiskaufman 5 years ago
I think this is from 1984 at MArshall Un. There was no rifle corp in 82 and I played the trumpet solo my senior year. This is the Copeland show. Also the parade is "Indian Fire" and it was in Charleston at the sterwheel regatta. Do you have any more videos? I haven't seen this since I was in H.S. I thought all of the videos were lost.
kyrulez 5 years ago
Gosh, I wish PHS (high school bands in general) were still as big and as good as this. It would be so amazing to be apart of a big band like this. If only this would happen again, so I could share the feeling...Great video!
SereneMoonPrincess 5 years ago