On the evening of Tuesday, December 17th, Woodland High School hosted a magical night of music at the WHS Band Concert. Under the leadership of Band Director Quenton Atterberry, the event featured stellar performances by the Woodland High School Wind Ensemble and the WHS Faculty Choir. The concert was a true testament to the talent and dedication of Woodland’s music program and its supporters.
The night opened with a heartfelt solo by Mrs. Batten, a teacher at WHS, whose performance set an inspiring tone for the evening. Following her solo, the Woodland High School Wind Ensemble took center stage. Their dynamic repertoire included both traditional and non-traditional holiday selections, delighting the audience. A standout moment was their rendition of Rampage by Todd Stalter. As its name suggests, this thrilling and aggressive piece required precision, energy, and finesse, which the students executed with remarkable skill.
Mr. Atterberry’s dedication to developing his students’ musicianship was evident throughout the performance. The ensemble demonstrated advanced skills, such as listening and pitch adjustment, which reflect a maturity beyond their years. Notably, the middle voices—often a challenge in the past—achieved impressive balance, thanks to strategic adjustments, including transitioning a senior trumpet player to French horn. This growth positions the ensemble well for the South Carolina Band Director’s Association Concert Performance Assessment in March.
Following the band’s performance, Ms. Tyson, another WHS teacher, delivered a powerful solo that captivated the audience. The evening then transitioned to the WHS Faculty Choir, directed by Assistant Principal Makeisha Butler. Mrs. Butler, who also served as the emcee for the evening, led the choir in a series of beautifully harmonized pieces. The choir was accompanied by Mr. Atterberry, Principal Michael White, Wilee Quattlebaum and alumni Davonte Carson, who made this special appearance on his birthday!
Principal White and Mrs. Butler joined the audience in giving special recognition to Mr. Atterberry for his unwavering dedication to his students and the music program, even while managing family responsibilities. Their heartfelt acknowledgment highlighted the tremendous impact of Mr. Atterberry’s leadership on Woodland High School’s growing music program.
The evening concluded with an exciting announcement from Mr. Atterberry’s mother, Doris Burton, unveiling a special fashion show fundraiser scheduled for Sunday, February 9th, to support the WHS Band. Details will be released soon, promising another opportunity for the community to rally behind this exceptional program.
Woodland High School’s Band Concert was a triumph, reflecting the hard work and passion of its students, faculty, and leaders. The WHS Faculty Choir, Wind Ensemble, and their director, Mr. Atterberry, continue to inspire pride in their school and community. Congratulations to all involved for a truly unforgettable evening!