The West Perry ‘Mustang’ marching band, or as coaches and members call it, “the little band that could”,  saw one of their best seasons in 2023, pushing hard enough to become the best open 1 band in the nation. It was a journey to get from a small A class band performing at Halifax, to an open class band playing the met life stadium.

Their fist competition was when the band knew that their season would be something special. On Tuesday, October 10th, 2023, the WPHS marching band performed at Halifax highschool against five other A class bands.The band received the highest score both in their group of five bands, but also the highest score of the day, including bands they would not be competing against. They were announced in first place, with a score of 86.2.  The second highest score of the day was a 78.6. 

“‘No way,’ I thought ‘That score must be a mistake,’” says band director Mathew Wieseman.

“We were blown out of the water,” recalls color guard instructor Nicole Woods. Halifax would lead to the band’s well deserved promotion to open class after only one competition. 

“I was shocked when Mr.Wieseman told me,” says Woods, “we thought we had missed the promotion period so [open class] wasn't even in my mind. I wasn't sure what to think at that moment!” The Mustang Marching band has consistently been listed as an A class band for years, so the promotion turned out to be a shock to everyone.  

After freezing football games and weeks of hard work, the band had one serious performance left; nationals. Because they had been moved to open class, they would no longer go to Nationals at Allenton anymore. The band would be arriving at the school at two in the morning so that they could drive three hours to the MetLife stadium in New Jersey. 

With a confident band and a dropless ending by the colorguard, the West Perry Mustang Band left New Jersey, and returned to Pennsylvania as the best Open 1 band in the nation.

“This is a season I will never forget. It has been trying and rewarding at the same time. I can honestly say that this has been the best composed and best performed show in the twenty-five years I have been at West Perry High School,” said Wiesman. 

“My favorite part was the practices… I enjoyed just laughing with [the guard] and how they could make me smile no matter what mood I was in when I got there,” says Woods, but she is sure to add, “Also winning Nationals was pretty amazing too.”

The mustang band has certainly had an amazing season, as shown by all of the awards that are still sitting on the office desk in the West Perry High School. The coaches, as coaches always do, shared how they made it this far.

According to Woods, “The guard didn't start out as strong as some other years, but I think their  attitudes and work ethic were some of the best I have ever seen.”

“Hard work. Perseverance. Dedication. This was not the easiest of seasons but the “Mustang” Marching Band was able to adapt to the different scenarios thrown at them,” Wieseman remembers.

“I will never forget this band as long as I live,” Wiesman told the band after winning nationals. “Wear [your medals] with pride. You’re national champions.”