Following a near decade-long hiatus, one of the region’s most beloved musical traditions is set to return to the Hamlet of Gorham. The 58th Gorham Pageant of Bands, sponsored by the Marcus Whitman Band & Guard Boosters, is scheduled to take place on Friday, May 29th and Saturday, May 30th.
The pageant will feature two cornerstone events:
Friday, May 29 – Jazz Festival: Scholastic jazz ensembles from across the region are invited to receive adjudication and hands-on feedback from judges, while performing for their peers and community members. The festival will be headlined by a professional ensemble (to be announced). Held in Marcus Whitman’s recently renovated high school auditorium, a suggested donation towards admission will support future pageants.
Saturday, May 30 – Parade of Bands: Music will again ring down Gorham’s Main Street, as bands from across New York State compete on this historic parade route. Hosting an expanded lineup of vendors and community organizations on the lawn of Gorham Elementary, residents and visitors alike are in for an afternoon of fun, community, and celebration.
“We look forward to providing a meaningful performance opportunity not only for Marcus Whitman’s student musicians, but for performers across the state,” said Lisa Grefrath, Marcus Whitman Band & Guard Booster President. “The Pageant of Bands carries a proud legacy of excellence, and we’re committed to honoring that tradition as planning continues.”
“The backbone of the Pageant has always been, and will continue to be, the student musicians and ensembles who choose to perform and compete in our community,” said Pageant Chairperson Austin Kephart. “With their help, we are eager to bring this tradition back to life.”
“We are excited to help support a rebirth of the Pageant of Bands and look forward to reflecting on the past, while representing the future of this outstanding event,” said Dr. Christopher Brown, Marcus Whitman Central School District Superintendent.
More information will be released in the coming months as planning continues; details can be found on the Marcus Whitman Marching Wildcats’ Facebook page. Those interested in supporting the pageant through volunteering their time, sponsorship, donating in-kind services, vending or having a booth at the pageant, or otherwise partnering with the Band & Guard Boosters should email [email protected] or contact any booster.
Established in 1960, the Gorham Pageant of Bands stood as a cherished local tradition for nearly 60 years, bringing together tens of thousands of student musicians throughout its history. Last held in 2018, interest in reviving the pageant peaked last year following the dedication of a mural celebrating its legacy.
