WBHS Band History

                 In 1931 Vinton High School organized its first uniformed band. The band consisted of fifteen boys and was directed by Professor W.H. Burt. The uniforms were white trousers and dark coats. Mr. Boyd Powell became the director in the fall of 1933-1934. Then the uniforms of maroon and orange were purchased for the band. The band entered into parades in both Richmond and Lynchburg. Mr. L. Christensen then took over as director from 1936-1937.

                 1939-1940 Mr. J. Alton Hampton became the director. The band entered the State Music Festival in Radford. In 1941-1942 the new uniforms were purchased for the band consisting of gray trousers, maroon jackets with gold braid, black leather belts and maroon caps. Ms. Gwendolyn Bussey became the band director in 1943.

                                                   1945-1946
                                                   Mr. O. W. Dilworth became the director.               1946-1947
                                                                                                                                   Mr. Bernard Whitman became the director.

1947-1948
Mr. O.W. Dilworth returned as director. 1949-1950

Mr. W. F. Triplett became the director.

In 1951-1952 the band participated in six different parades. Santa Claus parades in Roanoke and Vinton, Homecoming,

United Nations, Safety Promotion, and Y-Teen parades. 1952-1953 the marching band participated in a mass band at halftime of the

VMI vs. WVU football game at Victory Stadium. The band marched with a flag squad consisting of four girls twirling flags emblazoned with "W", "B", "H", and "S". The band began awarding band monograms to recognize players who had been in band for three or more years. The Marching Band performed in 1954 under the new lights at the football field. A jazz and dance band was formed. The band calculated its costs for uniforms, music, and instruments at $15,000. Mr. James Sims took over as band director in the fall of 1955-1956. A Dixieland band was formed to play at basketball games.

The First Vinton Dogwood Festival was held to raise money for band uniforms. The band received new uniforms in 1956. The Dixieland Band made several appearances on local television. 1960-1961 the majorettes received gold-colored uniforms. They became known as "The Golden Girls." The band traveled to Atlantic City, NJ to represent Virginia in the International Lion's Club Convention.

1961 the first letter squad was formed, and the flag squad was revived. 1962 the halftime show featured majorettes Brenda Asburry, Susie Cox, Carolyn Huddleston, and drum major Andy Watson twirling flaming batons. The marching band played at the opening ceremony for the Baltimore Colts vs. Pittsburgh Steelers football game at Victory Stadium. Twenty-four members of the band were selected to the All-State Band.

William Byrd Band in 1963 hosted the District Concert Festival. In the summer the band traveled to Toronto, Canada for the Lion's Club International Convention. The band visited the New York World's Fair on their way home.

1965-1966 1968-1969

Mr. Raiford T. Landreth became band director in the fall. Mr. Stephen E. King took over as band director in the fall. The band received new uniforms.

1969-1970
The new William Byrd High School opened in its present location.

In the summer of 1972 the band traveled to Mexico City, Mexico for the International Lion's Club Convention. The stage band was revived. The first Miss William Byrd Band was crowned. The Flag Corps was revived in 1973 The band marched by invitation in the Kentucky Derby Festival Parade.
Students participated in a brass choir and percussion ensemble during the school year.

1977-1978
The band was nicknamed "The Monsoon Marching Band" for its

Many rain-soaked practice sessions. The band received new uniform.

The First Gridiron Review was held in the fall.

1981-1982

The band celebrated its fiftieth anniversary by commissioning a concert work entitled"

An Appalachian Set." An alumni band concert was held in the spring.

In 1982 the band received "Superior" ratings at both the State Marching Band Festival and the District Concert Festival and was named a Virginia Honor Band. It was the first band to be so honored in this region.

1983-1984 1984-1985

Mr. Bill Ray became director in the fall. Mr. Stephen E. King returned as band director in the fall.

1986-1987
Mr. David Vail became the new director. The Marching Band placed second in the State Marching Band Festival.

1988-1989
The band received new uniforms in time for the Vinton Dogwood Parade.

1999-2005

Mrs. Dawn Chernault became the new director.

2006-Present

Mr. Daniel E. Plybon became the band director. The band received new uniforms.

The band celebrated its seventy-fifth anniversary.