Our school community history begins in 1923, when the first school in our area opened as the Reddick School, with the high school known as Reddick High School established in 1927. The first mention of a school band was in 1940. Reddick High School was renamed to North Marion High School in 1957, at that time with the band under director Dennis Trzeciak.

 

In 1963, the current North Marion High campus was opened, with the old Reddick campus closing the year after. In the same year, director Hugh Wolcott was hired to lead the high school band program, with former director Mr. Trzeciak taking over duties of the Jr. High School band. Mr. Wolcott laid the ground work for what the band program looks like today. Our current rehearsal hall is named in his honor, and each year one student is presented a memorial award in Mr. Wolcott's name for exceptional service to their school and band. 

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In 1974, Barden "Barney" Cuddington was named director, and took the band program to new heights and continuous levels of success. Under his direction, the band travelled and performed across the US, and earned notable accolades at the district and state levels. Mr. Cuddington established a legacy at North Marion which is carried on to this day, as younger generations of his students participate in our band program.

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From 2000-2002, director Andrew Couse oversaw the transition after Mr. Cuddington's retirement. Though he was only at the school a short time, Mr. Couse ensured that band enrollment and history of success would continue on the Northside.

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From 2002-2005, director Bill Pirzer worked to return the North Marion band to a high level of performance and achievement. In just a few short years, band enrollment grew to the numbers seen during Mr. Cuddington's tenure, earning consistent Superior ratings at district-level festivals. Since leaving North Marion, Mr. Pirzer has enjoyed a career of countless successes as the long-time director at nearby Gainesville High School, where he still works today.

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Beginning in 2005, the North Marion band program saw its next long-term director take over when Mr. J. Craig Lilly was hired. Mr. Lilly supported the program through many administrative changes in the mid-2000's. During his tenure, the band continued to build its legacy, particularly in the marching arts. Under Mr. Lilly, the marching band program began performing modern and innovative shows, while the percussion section earned top honors at the state level. Several successful seasons of indoor percussion were also hosted at North Marion during his tenure. While Mr. Lilly left his position with the band in 2018, and retired in 2020, he enjoys an active career as a local clinician, adjudicator, and performer.

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Since 2018, the North Marion High School Band (now branded as the "Colt Stampede") has been under the direction of Aaron Janosa. Together with his staff, parent volunteers, and community supporters, the North Marion band has reaffirmed itself as a comprehensive music program. Its concert bands, jazz band, and marching band have all received historical recognition and accolades over the last several years. Its members regularly represent North Marion in honor bands at the county, district, and state levels - with recent alumni actively performing with major universities in Florida and Georgia.

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If you are an alum of any music programs at Reddick High, Fessenden Academy, or North Marion High, we would love to hear from you!

 

Click to sign up for our alumni newsletter or annual Alumni Night!

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(A special thank you to Mr. David Jones, Forest High School Band Director, for sharing his research into the history of North Marion school bands)

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