After delivering a stellar performance on Saturday, Nov. 1, the Wilton High School (WHS) Marching Band was named the 2025 Group III-A Connecticut State Champions. Competing at U.S. Bands State Championship held in New Britain’s Veterans Stadium, Wilton earned a staggering score of 91.8 — the highest score in their class. Moreover, the WHS Marching Band was awarded the captions of Best Percussion, Best Music and Best Overall Effect.
The WHS Marching Band’s 2025 program, “To Boldly Go,” captivated judges and spectators alike with its theme of exploration, featuring an arrangement of Elton John’s “Rocket Man.” Drum Majors Ava Rose Herbstreith, Arden Hamilton and Melinda Pettit masterfully conducted the musical arrangement costumed as astronauts and raced the American flag across the field to plant it on the moon. The band’s impressive performance also showcased many beautiful solos, including trumpet player Paul Sullivan, mellophone player William Rowley, trumpet player Adam Famous, flute player Arwen Garcia, and trumpet player Ryan Yang.
Winning the Connecticut State Championship for such a “young” marching band was a hard-fought journey. In only four short years, the WHS Marching Band went from being known as a dancing band in track suits to standing today as State Champions. This feat would not be possible without the incredible commitment and motivation from Wilton High School’s Band Director Troy Williams, who has dedicated countless hours inspiring his students to seek excellence in their music and cultivating a true “band family.”
Drum Major and senior Herbstreith described Williams as “thoughtful, passionate, approachable and hard working.” Marching Band President and senior Quint Furman agreed and recognized that Williams “genuinely enjoys teaching music to his students every day.”
“This achievement is the result of incredible dedication, perseverance and pride from our students,” Williams said. “From early mornings and late nights to countless rehearsals and moments of growth, they worked tirelessly for this moment. Their heart, focus and passion were on full display last night, and I could not be more proud.”
Most of the members of the WHS Marching Band were fortunate to be former students of Michael Gordon, the band and general music educator at Middlebrook School. During this marching band season, Gordon’s unwavering support helped lead and elevate all aspects of the “To Boldly Go” program.
“Mr. Gordon always motivates his students to find their greatest potential,” tuba player and sophomore Zachary Northway said.
Also at the helm was Rohan Mosby, the enthusiastic percussion tech, helping to secure the major caption of “Best Percussion.”
“Winning Best Percussion at the State Championships this year for the first time would have been literally impossible without Rohan… He single-handedly turned our winning percussion section into what it is now,” WHS Percussion Caption Head Haldan Dickinson said.
The band’s performance was also enhanced by Visual Tech Elian Alcantara and Color Guard coaches Nina Ferryman and Rob McMullin, all working with members of the WHS Marching Band to capture the visual category at each competition.
“This milestone reflects not just one season, but years of culture building, student leadership and shared vision,” Wiliams said, adding, “and this is only the beginning.”
Great Job!