The Wando High School Marching Band has claimed the 2025 South Carolina Band Directors Association (SCBDA) 6A State Championship title after two standout performances at Viking Stadium in Spartanburg.
Under the direction of Bobby Lambert, Lanie Radecke and Matthew Kilby, the band performed its 2025 production, “We Are Such Stuff,” earning a final score of 95.15. The show, inspired by themes of resilience and dreams of possibility, featured complex drill design, dynamic musical arrangements and striking visual effects that impressed both judges and audiences.
In addition to the overall title, Wando earned the highest scores in all captions:
- High Music Performance
- High Visual Performance
- High General Effect
“There is truly no other band like this in the Southeast,” said Director Bobby Lambert. “Our students, staff, families and administration have built something extraordinary — an experience every young musician and performer should aspire to be part of.”
The band entered finals as the Lower State Champion after an impressive preliminary performance. This win marks Wando’s 16th state title, further cementing its reputation as one of the nation’s elite marching programs.
With more than 180 members, the Wando Marching Band includes both high school and middle school students. Drum majors Olivia O’Reilly, Brian Shay, Ben Snyder and Hanna Williams led the ensemble with precision and poise throughout the season. Beyond competitions, the band regularly performs at community events, parades and Wando High School football games.
Wando Band Boosters President Steve Wiley credited the program’s strong community backing. “From parent volunteers to local businesses and individual supporters, this win reflects the incredible village that stands behind these students,” Wiley said. “We’re already looking ahead to representing our community at the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis on Nov. 13–15.”
Before heading to nationals, the band will host a community celebration on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m. at CCSD District 2 Stadium. The event will feature food trucks, family activities and the final local performance of “We Are Such Stuff.”
Recognized nationally for excellence, the Wando High School Band program serves more than 250 students across concert bands, jazz band, color guard, winter guard and marching ensembles. For more information, visit wandobands.org.