History
The Arlington Admiral Marching Band started in 1967. The District’s Music Coordinator, William Sweeney, created the first
band with 13 students. Within a year, the band was on the field performing simple maneuvers and playing for the
Admiralettes who performed a pom-pom and kick line routine.
During the early 1970's, four area high schools planned the first local Marching Band Exhibition. John Jay, Ketcham,
Mahopac, and Arlington High Schools combined efforts to provide an exhibition for local audiences. These exhibitions
generated enthusiasm and an incentive for both the students and staff and the Band Exhibition became a yearly event.
In 1975, the Arlington Marching Band went through a transformation. With the move from majorettes to a color guard and an
increase in the difficulty and precision of the shows, Arlington started to field its first competitive productions. Arlington
entered its first competition in 1976, at Oceanside, Long Island. On October 25, 1976, the Admiral Marching Band, with only
65 members, won its first 1st Place Award.
During the 1980s, the band continued to grow and develop enjoying competitive success at the state and regional level. The
Band won the Tournament of Bands (TOB) Atlantic Coast Championships in 1983 and 1985. During this time the Arlington
Winter Guard enjoyed some of its greatest competitive successes in both local and regional circuits. Continuing through into
the 1990s, The Arlington Guard participates in World Guard International (WGI) in 1984-1987, 1992-1994, and 1997.
In 1993, The Band joined the New York State Field Band Conference (NYSFBC), and has been participating primarily in this
circuit ever since. In 1997, Rich Guillen became the third Director. 1996 marked the first time Arlington participated in Bands
of America (BOA) Regional .
The 2000’s brought many changes to the Admirals. In 2001, the band received new uniforms and started to participate in
Musical Arts Conference (MAC) competitions. Two years later, Arlington won their first MAC Championship. In 2004, the Band
won its first and only New York State Field Band Championship and their second Musical Arts Conference Championship.
That same year, the band participated in their first and only Bands of America Grand National Championships. At that event,
they were semifinalists placing in the top 25 bands in the nation.
Marching Band Directors - Past and Present
1967-1985 William Sweeney
1986-1996 Joseph Szabo
1997-2005 Richard Guillen
2006-Present Darrell Keech
The Arlington Admiral Marching Band started in 1967. The District’s Music Coordinator, William Sweeney, created the first
band with 13 students. Within a year, the band was on the field performing simple maneuvers and playing for the
Admiralettes who performed a pom-pom and kick line routine.
During the early 1970's, four area high schools planned the first local Marching Band Exhibition. John Jay, Ketcham,
Mahopac, and Arlington High Schools combined efforts to provide an exhibition for local audiences. These exhibitions
generated enthusiasm and an incentive for both the students and staff and the Band Exhibition became a yearly event.
In 1975, the Arlington Marching Band went through a transformation. With the move from majorettes to a color guard and an
increase in the difficulty and precision of the shows, Arlington started to field its first competitive productions. Arlington
entered its first competition in 1976, at Oceanside, Long Island. On October 25, 1976, the Admiral Marching Band, with only
65 members, won its first 1st Place Award.
During the 1980s, the band continued to grow and develop enjoying competitive success at the state and regional level. The
Band won the Tournament of Bands (TOB) Atlantic Coast Championships in 1983 and 1985. During this time the Arlington
Winter Guard enjoyed some of its greatest competitive successes in both local and regional circuits. Continuing through into
the 1990s, The Arlington Guard participates in World Guard International (WGI) in 1984-1987, 1992-1994, and 1997.
In 1993, The Band joined the New York State Field Band Conference (NYSFBC), and has been participating primarily in this
circuit ever since. In 1997, Rich Guillen became the third Director. 1996 marked the first time Arlington participated in Bands
of America (BOA) Regional .
The 2000’s brought many changes to the Admirals. In 2001, the band received new uniforms and started to participate in
Musical Arts Conference (MAC) competitions. Two years later, Arlington won their first MAC Championship. In 2004, the Band
won its first and only New York State Field Band Championship and their second Musical Arts Conference Championship.
That same year, the band participated in their first and only Bands of America Grand National Championships. At that event,
they were semifinalists placing in the top 25 bands in the nation.
Marching Band Directors - Past and Present
1967-1985 William Sweeney
1986-1996 Joseph Szabo
1997-2005 Richard Guillen
2006-Present Darrell Keech
| © Arlington High School Marching Band. All rights reserved |
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