Hempfield Area High School - Band

Band

Hempfield is home to the Hempfield Area Spartan Marching Band. The band has between 180 and 300 members yearly. It has performed in Texas, Florida, Colorado, California, New York, Washington DC, Virginia, Kentucky, and many other places. The band has received invitations to perform in Australia, France, England, and China; the band was invited to perform in China for the 2008 Olympics and well as Rome to perform for the Pope in his New Year's parade. The HAHS Marching Band also marched in the 2005 Tournament of Roses Parade with director Dr. Roderick T. Booker, who retired in 2006.The band was also honored greatly when they were chosen as the featured band for the 2003 Burbank on Parade. In particular, Flutist Clayton Nichols was honored with the Golden Flute for his rendition "My Heart Must Go On." Dr. Booker was also honored by being chosen as the grand marshal of this event in Burbank, California. The band was once again honored when they were selected as the official band in the Orange Blossom Parade in Riverside California. Dr. Booker was a teacher for 35 years in the Hempfield Area School District, and he served as the director of high school bands for 29 years.

Since 2006, the band has been under the direction of Brian A. Tychinski. He is assisted by assistant directors Michael Matteo and Nancy Flinner, majorette instructor Shana Murphy, and colorguard instructor Amanda Montell.

Hempfield is also the home of the Hempfield High School Jazz Band. This group has performed in Kentucky, California, and all over Pennsylvania. The Hempfield Jazz Band also had the special opportunity to play for President Bill Clinton during his visit to Greensburg, Pennsylvania.