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The History of the Rutland High School Band

A Tradition of Musical Excellence

For generations, the Rutland High School Band has been an important part of student life and the Rutland community. Since the school's founding in 1855, music has played a vital role in educating students and bringing people together. Today, the band continues a tradition of excellence through concerts, parades, ceremonies, festivals, and community performances.

Building a Legacy

Throughout its history, the Rutland High School Band has provided students with opportunities to develop musicianship, leadership, teamwork, and school pride. The band performs year-round as a credited academic course, presenting seasonal concerts while representing Rutland High School at civic events and celebrations throughout Vermont. Annual appearances typically include:

Fall Concert
Winter Concert
Music in Our Schools Month Concert
Spring Concert
Rutland Halloween Parade
Loyalty Day Parade
Memorial Day Ceremony
Rutland High School Graduation

1946 RHS Band

1961 RHS Band in Washington D.C. for President Kennedy's inaugural parade

National Recognition

The band has represented both Rutland and Vermont on the national stage.

One of its most notable achievements came in 1961, when the Rutland High School Band marched in the Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy.

Forty years later, in 2001, the band returned to Washington, D.C., to participate in events surrounding the inauguration of President George W. Bush, continuing its tradition of representing the community at significant national occasions.

A World Premiere

In 2010, the Rutland High School Symphonic Band premiered a new work commissioned especially for the ensemble. Composer Dr. Gene Milford wrote a four-movement suite originally titled Four Vermont Prints. After its successful premiere in Rutland, the composition was later published internationally under the title Suite for Band: New England Sketches, allowing bands around the world to perform music that was first heard at Rutland High School.

The Band Today

Today's Rutland High School Band continues to perform a diverse repertoire that includes:

Traditional concert band literature
Contemporary wind band works
Movie and television soundtracks
Popular music arrangements
Patriotic selections
Holiday favorites

Students have opportunities to perform not only in the concert band but also in specialized ensembles such as the Jazz Ensemble, which performs throughout the community and participates in festivals and educational events.

More Than Music

The Rutland High School Band teaches much more than notes and rhythms. Students gain experience in:

Leadership
Teamwork
Discipline
Responsibility
Community service
Musical excellence

Many graduates continue their musical involvement in college bands, military ensembles, community bands, and professional careers, while others carry a lifelong appreciation for music inspired by their years at Rutland High School.

Continuing the Tradition

For well over a century, the Rutland High School Band has been a source of pride for the school and the city of Rutland. Whether performing in the concert hall, along a parade route, or on a national stage, the band continues its mission of representing Rutland with excellence, dedication, and school spirit.

Once a member of the Rutland High School Band, always a part of its tradition.

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