HistoryThe Combined Band Program was forged in 1996 through a partnership between the band programs of the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Western Senior High School. Both schools, individually, had long traditions of fielding strong band programs that were highly respected and revered regionally and even nationally before the union. As the story goes, the Combined Band Program was born after the marching bands of Baltimore Polytechnic and Western Senior High under the directions of Mr. Arthur Bennett Jenkins and Mr. Charles G. Strother, respectively, marched their bands into each other having entered the same lobby through opposing doors. The two directors realized the benefits of a mutual relationship and thus a combined band was born.
After the sudden death of Mr. Arthur Bennett Jenkins in 1999, Ms. Trudy J. Benton was hired as the Director of Bands for the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute. Under the direction of Mr. Charles G. Strother and Ms. Trudy J. Benton, the Combined Band Program entered the 21st century. As of its 10th Anniversary in 2006, the band program had received many honors and awards including winning 1st place in the 2006 Baltimore Mayor's Christmas Parade and winning 1st place for indoor guard at the 2006 Heritage Band Festival held in Williamsburg. Today, the Combined Band Program is well known regionally and it hopes to continue its tradition of success and excellence. Current StaffMs. Trudy J. Benton - Director of Bands (BPI) Mr. Charles G. Strother - Director of Bands (WHS) Ms. Angela Parker - Director of Auxillary Units Ms. Serena Thomas - Auxillary Assistant Mr. Miles Armstrong - Directors' Assistant |