Vikings marching band reaches performance milestone

Marc Vieau | Cadillac News Cadillac High School Marching Band can toot its own horn this week after earning top performance ratings for the 20th consecutive year under the direction of Walt Whitmer.

CADILLAC — Cadillac High School Marching Band hit a high note Wednesday when it earned top ratings by the Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association.

It was the 20th consecutive year the band, under the direction of Walt Whitmer, received a superior “one” rating from music professionals.

“When you look at the kids and all the people who set the groundwork to move the program forward, it’s a very good feeling to know the kids have taken enough pride to get ones all these years,” Whitmer said. “It’s a great tradition for the kids.”

MSBOA coordinates all school music activities within the state. Critiquing takes place at district festival events where marching bands are reviewed in three categories including music, marching and general showmanship.

CAPS’ 80-member 2007 marching band brought the program to its milestone moment. Throughout the 25 years Whitmer has worked with CAPS students the number of members has fluctuated from 18 to 120. But one thing has remained constant, Whitmer’s dedication to helping students achieve excellence.

“He brings out the best in every student,” said Roman Suhs, a trumpeter and 2005 CHS graduate who is a member of the Michigan State University Spartan Marching Band. “He’s done a great job knowing what the judges are looking for and pounds it into the students’ heads,” Suhs said.

The Spartan band has a staff of five, plus a director, to produce and coordinate the performance.

“Mr. Whitmer does the big picture and all the little things,” Suhs said.

Band director for McBain Rural Agricultural School Heather Wiggins is also a former CAPS student. She believes the success the band has achieved under Whitmer’s direction is a result of both his passion for music and rapport with students.

“For me, it was the respect he has for students,” Wiggins said. “He puts it on their shoulders. He can’t do it for them, but he has the energy and enthusiasm to make you want to do it.”

According to Whitmer, the program’s success has been a collaborative effort. The music department staff, including Mike Filkins and Jenny Koll, has had the benefit of strong parental support.

“They make sure kids get to rehearsals and keep pushing, reminding them that this is homework, too,” Whitmer said.

In addition, Band Boosters have ensured students have the resources needed to succeed and the school administration maintains schedules allowing participation in music programs.

Having hit the 20-year milestone, the band won’t rest on its laurels but will continue to strive for superior performances.

“Hopefully, we’ve set a precedent in Cadillac to continue the tradition of marching excellence,” Whitmer said.

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