HONORING OUR PAST: WC’S FIRST BAND COMPETITION APPEARANCE

Worthington Christian School’s music program has a reputation for excellence that dates back to its earliest years. By the early 1980s, there were multiple band opportunities and a strings program. The school’s concert band had nearly 40 musicians. The program was directed by Bob Bechtel, who taught instrumental and choral music at WC for thirteen years. In 1985, Bechtel led students in their first appearance at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) District Band Contest. Even with it being the school band’s first competition, the students received a I (Superior) rating and advanced to the state competition, where they received a II (excellent). This same year, the flourishing band program also regularly collaborated with the Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy band, participated in the Christian Schools Music Festival, and performed at Canton Christian School.