The Gloucester High School Marching Band program is anticipating another great year, not intimidated by the challenge of fulfilling the expectation prompted by last year’s success.

This year’s show is based on the score of “The Wizard of Oz.” It is titled “Forever Wicked” by Frank Sullivan and was described by members of the Marching Dukes as being more intense than years past.

The band’s mission statement is to educate first and to entertain second. From the music that is chosen, to every step that is taken on the field, every action of the band is to educate the students that compose the performance. 

Band director Samuel Venable, in his third year at Gloucester High School, is looking forward to a particularly successful year. This anticipation, according to Venable, is attributed to the students. 

“The students I’m working with this year are just great. I would take a good group of kids with good attitudes,...