Whitehaven’s Sounds of Perfection: Memphis’s Best Marching Band
Memphis has crowned its best high school marching band, and it’s none other than Whitehaven High’s ‘Sounds of Perfection.’ Voted #1 by readers of The Commercial Appeal, this esteemed ensemble is thriving under the leadership of an alumnus who is taking the program to new heights.
A Legacy of Excellence Recognized by Memphis
The Whitehaven High School marching band, aptly named “Sounds of Perfection,” recently earned top honors in The Commercial Appeal’s reader poll, being named the best high school marching band in the Memphis area. Over 70,000 votes were cast, highlighting the immense community support and appreciation for their talent and dedication.
Alumnus Leadership: Vincent Smith’s Vision
The band’s current director, Vincent Smith, is a testament to the program’s enduring legacy. A proud alumnus of Whitehaven and a former member of Tennessee State University’s famed Aristocrat of Bands, Smith returned to his alma mater. He initially served as percussion instructor under his mentor, Andre Newsom, and took the helm after Newsom’s passing in 2023. Under Smith’s guidance, the band has seen remarkable growth and a renewed focus on comprehensive musical education.
Doubling in Size, Expanding in Scope
In just three years, Smith has nearly doubled the marching band’s membership, growing it from 75 to almost 160 members. His leadership extends beyond the marching field, emphasizing the importance of a well-rounded music program. Whitehaven now boasts a jazz band, concert band, wind ensemble, and a percussion ensemble class, ensuring students receive foundational training that prepares them for higher education and beyond.
“Foundations and fundamentals are the key to everything. That’s what’s going to help students grow and make them more appealing to universities and colleges,” Smith states. This approach is clearly working, with 19 of his 25 seniors last year moving on to play in college marching bands.
A Year-Round Commitment to Performance
Sounds of Perfection maintains a packed schedule that keeps them busy throughout the year. Beyond their electrifying performances at Whitehaven football games, the band is a staple at various public events. They host the Southern Heritage Classic Battle of the Bands, an event they’ve supported for over two decades, as well as their own “Spooky Season Battle of the Bands” during Halloween, and participate in the Whitehaven Christmas parade.
Their musical repertoire is as diverse as their performance schedule, incorporating pop hits, traditional marching band anthems, jazz elements, and popular trending music. This versatility ensures their shows are engaging and appeal to a broad audience, showcasing the immense talent within the ensemble.
What’s Next for Sounds of Perfection?
As their 2025 activities conclude, the band is already looking ahead. Plans include performances in Atlanta, Mobile, and New Orleans in the spring, followed by a dedicated focus on concert material and preparations for concert festivals. The band’s growing reputation has even garnered international attention, with an invitation to perform in the prestigious London New Year’s Day Parade, a goal Smith hopes to achieve for the band in 2027.
Comparing Growth Under Vincent Smith’s Leadership
The transformation of Whitehaven’s band under Director Vincent Smith is evident in several key areas:
| Aspect | Before Smith (Approx.) | Under Smith (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Band Membership | 75 | Nearly 160 |
| Program Focus | Primarily Marching | Marching, Jazz, Concert, Wind, Percussion Ensembles |
| College Placement (Seniors) | N/A (focus less emphasized) | 19 out of 25 (last year) |
| External Engagements | Football, Southern Heritage Classic | Football, Southern Heritage Classic, Spooky Season Battle, Christmas Parade, Regional, International Invitations |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did Whitehaven’s marching band achieve its “Best in Memphis” title?
They won a reader poll conducted by The Commercial Appeal, receiving over 70,000 votes. - Who is the director of the Whitehaven marching band?
Vincent Smith, an alumnus of Whitehaven High and Tennessee State University, leads the “Sounds of Perfection.” - What kind of musical training do students receive in the program?
Students are trained in diverse musical styles for marching, jazz, concert, wind, and percussion ensembles, with a strong emphasis on fundamental skills. - What are some of the band’s notable performances?
They perform at Whitehaven football games, host the Southern Heritage Classic and Spooky Season Battles of the Bands, participate in the Whitehaven Christmas parade, and have upcoming regional and potential international performances.
The Whitehaven “Sounds of Perfection” marching band serves as a shining example of how dedicated leadership and a comprehensive approach to music education can empower young artists and bring pride to an entire community.
Memphis crowns Whitehaven Sounds of Perfection best band
