Kids & Family

Marching Band Director Thanks Supporters

The following is a letter to the editor from Harry T. Welte, marching band director: 

On behalf of the Fort Lee High School Marching Bridgemen, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped make the 2013 marching band season so successful. I believe that the band made significant progress in many areas and I am pleased that we are continuing to move forward both academically, and artistically. I'm extremely proud of what our children have accomplished this year and I'm blessed to have them under my direction.


First, to the Fort Lee Board of Education, I say "thank you" for your encouragement, continued support and especially for the wonderful investment you're now making in replacing our twenty-year-old marching band uniforms. I thank you also for the investment in new color guard uniforms for this year. We've received many compliments on their appearance.


I thank all of the local businesses and vendors who supported our "Band-Nite" this past June. Your continued financial support is very much appreciated. I also thank the Fort Lee community as a whole for the pride you take in our young people, they most certainly represent what is best about our wonderful town.

Find out what's happening in Fort Leewith free, real-time updates from Patch.


To former student, and current international businessman, Mr. Douglas Cheung, I say both "thank you" and "WOW" for your generous contribution to our FLHS Band Boosters organization.


I'd like to personally thank Mrs. Priscilla Church for her efforts last June in replacing our old uniform helmets and plumes, they've arrived, and they're going to look fantastic with the new uniforms!

Find out what's happening in Fort Leewith free, real-time updates from Patch.


Thank you to Interim Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Paul Saxton, and to Interim High School Principal, Dr. Frank Calabria for your efforts on behalf of all the performing arts in Fort Lee. I thank, also Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Sharon Amato and our central office staff as well.


I'm proud to call Athletic Director, Mr. Michael Raftery both colleague and friend. Your support of the marching band is unmatched by any AD in the county.  You truly represent that "we all wear the same colors".


To Head Football Coach, Billy Straub, his coaching staff and all of the boys on the team, I say "thank you" and "way to go!" for your continued appreciation and support of the marching band. I'm proud of the incredibly close relationship between these two programs. We couldn't ask for more. You guys are amazing!


And finally, on behalf of myself, Mr. Joseph Picone, and our hard-working staff, a super "THANKS" to our FLHS Band Booster organization for everything you've done for the students this year. Your fundraising efforts have allowed us to begin replacing our very old instruments. The two new tubas and four piccolos went a long way toward making the band sound better this year. No school program can flourish, nor long exist without the active support of family and friends. You're all fantastic!

The Fort Lee High School Marching Band concluded their season with an outstanding   performance at MetLife Stadium on Saturday, November 9th. Next up is the High School Music Department Holiday Concert along with the H.S. Chorus & Orchestra on Thursday evening, Dec 19, 7:30 pm at the H.S. auditorium. We invite you to visit the Holiday market organized by the Fort Lee High School band booster before the Holiday concert in the front entrance area at the Fort Lee High School auditorium.  Enjoy this wonderful event and happy Holidays!

Harry T. Welte

Marching Band Coordinator, Band Director

Fort Lee High School



Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here