About the Norton Bands
The Band program at Norton forms a vital part of the high school community. This group represents a large, colorful, and visible segment of the school population. It's appearances at sporting events, concerts, parades, as well as local civic events, add a great deal of color and spirit to the Norton community.
The main emphasis of the band program is on musicianship and pride in accomplishment, followed closely by citizenship, tradition, morale, spirit, and loyalty. It is the pride in a job well done and accomplishment achieved that make the sacrifices worthwhile.
-Thomas L. Chiera, Director of Bands
The Norton Instrumental Music Program
History
The Norton Instrumental Music program began in 1926-1927 in
the form of a twelve member orchestra. The Norton
Township High School Orchestra was started by Mr. Boden, a
Barberton music store owner. In the 1930s, Mr. Russell
Gray was added to the staff and the instrumental music
program expanded into a concert band. The first
marching band took the field in 1936. During the late
1930s, the band came under the leadership of Mr. Lawrence
Beck. Shortly after in 1944, Mr. Arden Yockey took
over the helm while Mr. Beck served in World War II.
Mr. Beck returned in 1946; however, he did not continue as
director due to war injuries. Mr. Yockey continued as
band director until 1959 when he took over the choir
program. Mr. Larry Douglas, a former United States
Army Band member, was named the new director in 1959.
In
1965, Mr. Thomas Knapp took over as the fifth head director,
and he oversaw the band during enrollment explosions of the
late 60s and early 70s. It was during this time that
the Norton Band became known as the "Marching 200." By
this time, the concert program had also grown into two
ensembles. Under Mr. Knapp, the band performed
throughout the United States at professional football games.
During Mr. Knapp's tenure, he was assisted by the following
directors: Mr. Dennis Gahera, Mr. Charles Morton, Mr. Ray
Truby, Mrs. Judy Broke-Hall, Mr. Roger Cesanien, Mr. Roger
Smith, Mr. Paul Cubick, and Mr. Thomas Smicklas.
In 1976,
Mr. James Adkins became head band director and started a
whole new era in Norton. Under Mr. Adkins, the Norton
Marching Band became an innovator in the contemporary,
competitive marching band arena. The Norton Band
students were challenged with a newer style of music and
marching which required more difficult musical arrangements
and much more intricate movement. The Norton Band
competed across the United States including The Valley of
the Flowers Festival in St. Louis, Missouri. Norton
won this event. The band also began its involvement in
the Bands of America (formerly "Marching Bands of America")
Championships, where the band was BOA Regional Finalists in
1982 and 1984. The Marching Band also appeared at the
Bands of America Grand National Championships for the first
time in 1984. The concert and symphony bands and jazz
ensemble programs grew and improved during the Adkins Era,
also. At one time, the Cleveland Institute of Music
named Norton one of the best instrumental music programs in
the state of Ohio. Assistant directors during this
time included: Mr. William Degenkolb, Mr. James
Berlyoung, Mrs. Peggy Rakas, and Mrs. Mora Moffan.
After
rapidly declining enrollment, several levy failures, and the
departure of Mr. Adkins, the band program fell to an
enrollment of only 37-40 members in 1986. All
competitions ceased, the jazz program was cancelled, the
concert program cut in half, and the band director's
position was merged with the choir director. Mr. John
Malkamaki was the new band director for two years, keeping
the program from total collapse. He reinstated the
jazz program and worked to build the lower grades.
In
1988, Mr. Patrick Santelli was hired as the eighth band
director and proceeded to rebuild the program. The
band grew to approximately 70 members in 1989, approximately
90 members in 1990, and nearly 125 members in 1991.
During Mr. Santelli's 19 years at Norton, the band program
has once again become one of the premier band programs in
the state of Ohio. With marching band membership
steady from 120 to 140 members since 1991, the band has
excelled at competitions and adjudicated events across Ohio
and throughout the United States. The marching band
reentered the Bands of America Championships, winning Novice
Class Champions at the 1990 Toledo Regional Championships.
The marching band has since been a yearly participant at the
Bands of America Grand National Championships in
Indianapolis, IN. Additionally, in 1990, the Norton
Marching Band and the Norton Music Boosters began hosting
the "Art In Motion" Marching Band Invitational held annually
in September. During Mr. Santelli's reign, the
concert, symphony, and jazz bands have also grown and
excelled with numerous Excellent and Superior ratings at
Ohio Music Education Association [OMEA] events. Mr.
Santelli served as the director until his retirement in
2007. Assistant directors during Mr. Santelli's years
included: Mrs. Karen Malechek, Mrs. Amy Grom, Mrs. Elaine
Williams, and Mr. Charles Kaufman. Additional
leadership in the marching band was provided by several
associate directors: Ms. Stacy Childers, Ms. Lisa Stemple,
Mr. Jason Beck, and Mr. Dennis Oswald.
The start of the
2007-2008 school year marked the beginning of a new era as
Mr. Thomas Chiera became the ninth director of bands.
The "Chiera Era," as dubbed by his students, began the
Norton Instrumental Music program's 81st year. With
enrollment steady at nearly 125 bandsmen, the Norton
Marching Band soared to new heights as it took on great
challenges. The Norton Marching Band earned its first
Superior rating at the OMEA State Marching Band Finals since
1992. The following year, the Symphony Band earned its
first Superior rating at OMEA Large Group Band Finals, as
well. The 2008-09 school year placed Norton in an
elite group of schools to earn a Superior rating in both
marching and concert band seasons. From this point, the history and future are yet
to be written. At its 85th year, the Norton
Instrumental Music Program is in a strong state. |
