Yorktown High School Bands

Yorktown Bands include for-credit ensembles and extracurricular activities that support the musical education of 100+ students annually. We are part of the Virginia Music Educators Association Blue Ribbon Award winning Yorktown High School Music Department. The Bands also serve as the umbrella group for the Yorktown Colorguard.

Yorktown Band members represent the full diversity of our high school. Many students choose band as an elective because it provides something enjoyable to do during the school day. Our Director, student-leaders, and clinicians work on creating a community safe for any student to make music together.

Yorktown Bands operate by the philosophy that music is for all. We are fortunate to have the Yorktown Band Boosters who work year-round to ensure that each individual can fully participate in any and all band activities.

Band, Colorguard, and music education benefit students broadly. Kids learn how to perform as individual contributors in large teams. Music supports everything from enhanced math and language skills to social emotional connections. Check out the Northwestern University Brainvolts Lab for information and studies on how learning music helps develop skills and positively affects neuroplasticity.

Ensembles & Clubs

Yorktown Bands offers multiple Band, Percussion, Colorguard, and leadership opportunities. Additional details on requirements (e.g., auditions, uniforms) can be found under Ensembles & Clubs.

Details on activities and audition dates and times are on the calendar.

About the Director

Joseph Witkowski has served as Director of Bands at Yorktown High School since 2021. He is the director of the Yorktown Marching Band and conductor of the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Combo and Big Band Jazz Ensemble. Prior to his appointment at Yorktown, he was Director of Bands at Annandale High School in Fairfax County. Previously, Mr. Witkowski served as Visiting College Lecturer in Bands at The University of Akron (Ohio), fulfilling the duties of Assistant Director of Bands. At Akron he was co-director of “Ohio’s Pride,” The University of Akron Marching Band, and director of the “Blue and Gold Brass” basketball band. Additionally, he conducted the Concert Band, co-conducted the University Band, and taught undergraduate conducting classes.

Mr. Witkowski completed his master’s degree in instrumental conducting at Ball State University. While at Ball State, Mr. Witkowski served as a graduate assistant with the university concert, marching, and athletic bands. Preceding graduate study, he taught beginning, middle, and high school band in the Marion (Ohio) City Schools. He completed his bachelor’s degree in music education at The Ohio State University where he studied tuba. Joseph is an ardent advocate for arts education and has served on the board of directors of the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education and as the Advocacy Chairperson of the Ohio Music Education Association. He is a member of the National Association for Music Education, Virginia Music Educators Association, and Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors’ Association (VBODA). He is also the chair of the VBODA Commissions Committee.

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2024-25 Clinicians

Our program is fortunate to benefit from these professional musicians, artists, and experts throughout the year. Students benefit from expert, specialized instructional and support.