In the beginning...

The original Lake Howell finished construction 25 year ago, at the time the band program was much different then that of today's.  The band wore white 'space marching' uniforms, and had many different traditions, but nevertheless set the foundation for the future.

A few years later the band program took shape, received the name The Silver Regiment, and their official logo.  At this time they shaped the band program after Drum Corps International, particularly the Blue Devils.  So much so that their new uniforms were actually identical to that of the Blue Devils, the commands were "Core, tent hut", and the winds were brass only.  

The Band Program was quite prosperous during the 80's, receiving awards from all over the state and country, including even an appearance in the Macy's day parade.  Many of the awards the Silver Regiment received still hang in the band room and serve as inspiration to those even to this day.

There was an idea born in the ranks of the Band Parents Association at this time that led to the creation of the Silver Regiments own mascot. The late Gary Berns, a founding member of the Lake Howell Band Parents Association, had adapted the then-popular newspaper cartoon figure of "Ziggy" and make him into a band member with his own uniform. But this figure needed a name, as "Ziggy" was already the name of Tom Wilson’s nationally syndicated newspaper character, and not exactly appropriate for a marching band.

Now during these times the band a very special phrase that was bestowed upon them by the early Band Directors after an outstanding performance. That phrase was "thumbs up, guys!". As the Band traveled throughout the state, participating in dozens of adjudicated marching band events, quite often it became difficult to tell how well our Band performed against some very close competition. It was not unusual to have judging delayed for hours, with everyone waiting anxiously for the results. During an afternoon at one such event, our Band Parents kept score as the competition progressed. They figured that band would indeed qualify for the finals to be held later that evening. The Lake Howell Band Parents united and suddenly, in that crowded stadium, about 50 of them stood up and shouted as one: "THUMBS UP, GUYS!" The Band, seated across the field recognized the meaning of the signal. The other Bands, their Directors, and audience did not understand why they were the only group making noise at the time, since no scores were officially announced yet. Later, as about 20 Bands were assembled on the field to learn their scores, each Band reacted with a loud cheer, many hugs, and excitedly jumping around as their names were announced. But, as The Silver Regiment was announced as the Overall Winner, the Band simply came to attention, and a salute from the Drum Majors was the only reaction from the entire Band. They had already known that they had done well enough to make the finals by the Band Parents’ "Thumbs Up, Guys" signal earlier. The crowd was stunned by The Silver Regiment’s silent but dignified reaction to their success.And so the phrase "Thumbs Up, Guys" was shortened to merely T.U.G; The mascot had a name.

Many of these traditions are still in place today.  For example, even today the band stands silently at attention after receiving an award.

Today the Silver Regiment consists of a Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, Color Guard, Marching Percussion, and Woodwind and Brass ensembles.  Each year the Silver Regiment puts together a band handbook, tug times newsletter publications, a Band Banquet, a slide show.

One of the keys in having a successful program with over 100 people is communication.  The Tug Times is the official newsletter of the Silver Regiment, each month containing letters from the B.P.A. board members, Drum Majors, President, and the band director.  It also contains order forms, a calendar, important phone numbers,  and articles on the Silver Regiment and the various events it attends.

The Band Song for the Silver Regiment is The Greatest Love of All

here are the lyrics:

I believe the children are our future
Teacher them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter
Remind them how they used to be

Everybody's searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to
I never found anyone who fulfilled my needs
A lonely place to be
And so I learned to depend on me

I decided long ago
Never to walk in anyone's shadow
If I fail, if I succeed,
At least I'll live as I believe
No matter what they take from US
They can't take away our dignity...
Because the Greatest Love  of All
Is happening to me
I've found the Greatest Love of All
Inside of me

And if by chance that special place
That you've been dreaming of
Leads you to a lonely place
Find your strength in love.

Each year the Silver Regiment produces a 'Band Handbook.'  Inside it contains information about the band, what is expected of each member, their obligations and more. 

One of the highlights of each year is always the Band Banquet.  From dancing to fine dining, the banquet has a little bit for everybody.  The highlight of the evening is the Slide Show which contains hundreds of photos sent in from band members during the year and organized by the band's historian.

About six years ago, Jason Litt became the first to post information about the Silver Regiment on Litt.Net.  Two years later, I created a light-hearted Silver Regiment website which eventually grew into some friendly competition =).  Jason then bought Silver-Regiment.org and expanded his website into decades of information and attempted to bring Alumni from the past back together.  Sadly due to a lack of interest from other Silver Regiment members and the financial responsibilities of maintaining a site, he closed down Silver-Regiment.org, and all of its' information was lost.  However, after 4 years of being online (and about 10 or so name changes) this site is still committed to brining you the most up-to-date information about everything Silver Regiment, and with your help, we hope to make this the best high school band website in American! =)