With multiple USBands States and Regional competitions taking place this weekend, King Philip Regional High School is just one of many programs preparing to perform not only this Saturday at USBands’ New England States Championship, but also at the USBands Open Class National Championships at Metlife Stadium next weekend. 

The marching band program at King Philip Regional High School got its start in 1984 when long-time director Peter Tileston was recruited to build up not only a marching program, but also develop the school’s music department as a whole. This being said, the excellence of the marching program in the mid-80s was what prompted excellence in curricular programs at the school such as the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Jazz Ensemble program. 

Since then, the King Philip marching program has gone on to perform at the Bands of America Grand National Championships twice in the early 2000s and has consistently placed high at USBands Nationals each year, having last taken Gold in their division in 2016. In addition to these accomplishments, King Philip continues to maintain a strong relationship with MICCA, the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association, having won the Gold medal in their class for over 30 years. 

“One thing that I actually really like about this year’s show is that it gives pretty much every section and all of our best players an opportunity to shine” - Michael Keough, Band Director

King Philip Regional HS’s 2022 production is titled “Kaleidoscope,” a concept that allows for a variety of styles to be explored throughout the show. The production is made up of three parts, each emphasized by a series of props that are turned with each movement to portray the varying colors and moods. The program this season showcases extended trombone and trumpet solos, clarinet section features, as well as a brass trio in the opener composed of a trumpet, mellophone, and trombone. It also has built-in exposure for the battery and guard, who complement the music well with their use of a variety of equipment. 

If you want to see King Philip Regional High School in action this season, check them out at USBands New England States and USBands Open Class Nationals Championships these upcoming weekends performing in Class III Open competition.