Yeah 2003 was a bit of a rollercoaster for Westfield. We won Grand Nats, (finally) and we lost the man that mad Westfield what it was. The next two years sucked cause we did the same show twice, (practically) and of course when you lose legacy like Philip Geiger, you have tension of judgement and respect. The older people tried to make it a smooth transition but you can't help what people say or think.
2004 was a bit of an experimental year with Westfield. We were a bit risque with the show concept and too much was tried to be packed into one show. Concert season was fairly good. We always could play our horns and drums. That didn't change.
2005 My last years was the settling of issues so to speak. We calmed down a bit with the help of the juniors who really stepped up and help out us seniors that year. We gel'd more than the previous year and the marching show did much better than it's similar predicessor. Concert season was again fairly good. We still sounded pretty great, if Jodi Rhodes knew one thing, she knew tonal quality. She had a good ear.
I would say the main reason for the slope, was middle school directors not pushing and making them care like they did us. We were challenged when I was in middle school but not so much anymore. Takes a good foundation to make a great player and there is always the prodigy child in every school but you are only as strong as your weakest member.
Anyways, shout out to all my Westfield peeps. It's Andrew Christian if you didn't know already. Peace.