Welcoming a new Athletic Director

We’re excited to welcome Mark Campbell, our new Athletic Director, to the Westbrook community! With a passion for student success and a strong vision for the future of school athletics, Mr. Campbell brings both experience and enthusiasm to his new role. As he steps into this leadership position, we thought it would be the perfect time to introduce him to our Music Boosters community. We asked him a few questions to get to know more about his background, goals, and thoughts on how our marching band and athletic programs can work together to build school spirit. Read on to learn more about Mark and his plans for the year ahead!

Welcome to Westbrook, Mr. Campbell!

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what led you to your new role as Athletic Director?

I’ve been a lifelong athlete and coach, with a particular passion for track and field, which I’ve coached at the high school level since 1998. Sports have always been a central part of who I am, shaping my values around teamwork, perseverance, and leadership. Professionally, I’ve dedicated the past 27 years to special education - 25 as a teacher and the last two as a district administrator - where I’ve worked to support students and families with diverse needs.

As a proud resident of Westbrook, I’ve long felt a deep connection to this community. Over the years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible impact that Westbrook educators, coaches, and staff have had on my own children. That sense of gratitude has inspired a strong desire to give back. I’ve considered applying for roles in the district before, but when the Athletic Director position opened this year, it felt like the perfect opportunity to align my professional experience, personal passion, and community pride.

I’m thrilled to be stepping into this role and excited to get to work building strong programs, supporting our student-athletes, and honoring the tradition of excellence that defines Westbrook athletics.

What are your goals or vision for the athletic department in your first year?

In my first year as Athletic Director, my focus will be on finding ways to make our work more efficient and impactful. The athletics and activities office will continue to explore how technology can streamline operations, improve communication, and better support coaches, staff, and families. A key part of this effort will include expanding our outreach through the development of a new, user-friendly website and more active engagement on social media platforms.

Equally important to me is taking the time to truly connect with the Westbrook community - not just as a parent or resident, but as someone who is here to serve all of our students and families. I’m committed to understanding the full scope of our programs, listening to stakeholders, and learning how we can continue to grow.

I also want to reignite pride in our mascot and our shared heritage. Being a Blue Blaze is more than wearing a jersey -it’s about character, community, and tradition. I look forward to supporting our students in embracing that identity and carrying it forward with pride.

How do you plan to support student-athletes both on and off the field this school year?

My ultimate goal as an athletic director is to help shape the men and women of tomorrow. While others may judge my success by wins and losses, staff evaluations, or facilities management, I believe our greatest impact is measured in the lives our students go on to lead. The true success of our programs will be reflected in how these young people grow into parents, spouses, siblings, friends, and community members.

Wins and championships are meaningful - but legacies are not built on records alone. They’re built through the relationships we form, the values we teach, and the support we offer beyond the scoreboard. To truly influence the lives of our students, we must show up for them in every part of their world: in the classroom, at home, in the community, and on the field of play.

When students know we care about who they are - not just what they do - they begin to believe in what they can become. That’s when real growth happens. That’s the kind of impact I hope to lead - and the legacy I wish to leave.

What are you most excited about as you get to know Westbrook’s sports teams and traditions?

What excites me most in this role is the opportunity to continue building strong, meaningful connections between our schools and the greater community. I believe in the power of athletics and activities to bring people together, and I’m committed to creating events that go beyond the scoreboard - events that truly reflect the spirit and pride of our entire community.

I want to build on the traditions that already make Westbrook special while creating new opportunities for connection, celebration, and support. By strengthening relationships with families, alumni, local organizations, and neighbors, my hope is that our community continues to stand behind our students - not just as spectators, but as active partners in their growth and success.

How do you see the marching band contributing to the spirit and energy of school athletics? Are there any hopes or plans for collaboration between the marching band and sports teams at events like games, pep rallies, or community nights?

I have high hopes for building a strong partnership between our athletic programs and Westbrook’s music department. I fully recognize that it’s not the band’s responsibility to support athletics - but I also know the power of what happens when our students across programs come together. Westbrook is a music town with a proud history of excellence, and our athletic events feel different - more spirited, more connected - when the band is in the stands.

As someone who’s followed sports my whole life, I think of iconic experiences - like the Ohio State marching band energizing the crowd with fight songs, or the electric atmosphere inside Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke when the band plays during key moments of a game. These environments don’t just boost performance - they build tradition and school pride.

I believe we can create something special here in Westbrook, too - but it will take collaboration, thoughtful planning, and respect for the time and energy our music educators already dedicate to their students. I’m committed to those conversations and to finding a path forward that brings music and athletics together in a way that enhances the student experience without adding undue burden to anyone.

I’m also working on community-centered events like “Meet at the 50” and a revitalized homecoming parade - initiatives where I’d love to see our band and music programs play a central role. My goal is to create opportunities where all students can showcase their talents, feel valued, and be part of something bigger than themselves.

Huzzah!

The Westbrook High School Chamber Singers brought joy and delight to staff and residents of the Scandinavian and Evans Park Senior Living Centers in Newton, MA during their annual April Tour, which took place in Boston, MA this past weekend. As the students entered each facility, dressed in their floor-length black dresses and tuxedos, the residents and staff smiled and commented on their professional appearance. While the students warmed up, the residents, some in walkers and some in wheelchairs, settled into the common area, eagerly awaiting the show. Westbrook's Director of Music, Suzanne Proulx, crafted an itinerary that provided students with the opportunity to learn about Boston’s history and each other.

The vocal ensemble had focus, excitement and inspiration - having spent the previous day touring the USS Constitution, Faneuil Hall, the Tea Party Ships Museum, and attending a performance by the New England Conservatory Symphonic Winds & Chamber Singers at the stunning Jordan Hall. Students commented:

“Having this shared experience helps us perform better as a group.”

“We all learned something about someone in the group that we would not have learned in the classroom.”

The trip also provided the opportunity for students to challenge themselves in diverse ways. For some, it was interacting with members of the group they didn’t know as well. For other students, it was the first time performing in a smaller, more intimate setting compared to the school concerts at the Westbrook Performing Arts Center. Others used it as an opportunity to try something new. Student’s shared:

“It was a really good experience for me, getting more familiar and comfortable with the group.”

“I pushed myself to do a solo even though I have extreme stage fright. I was shaking the whole time.”

“It was great to perform somewhere new, to bring our skills to a new audience.”

The Chamber Singers performed an eclectic program with pieces from throughout the 20th century and modern day. Click here to listen to one of the performances.

“It felt so good to make the residents so happy. They really appreciated us being there, and that was really rewarding.”

The program traversed genres, ranging from classical pieces to folk, country, jazz, blues, and pop. The program offered something for everyone. The residents couldn’t resist singing along to “All of Me” and moving along to “Sway.” The joy among students, chaperones, residents, and staff was palpable. The student’s reflected and remarked:

“It was awesome to see people light up during the performance when we sang a song they recognized.”

“It was a very gratifying experience. It felt like I was doing good. I was using my skill of singing to brighten people’s lives.”

“I loved spending time with the residents after the performance. One of the residents was 102 years old.”

“The residents were anticipating our performance; they were excited. I met a man from Romania who was a Holocaust survivor. It was an honor to sing for him.”

Thank you to the Westbrook Music community who fundraised to make this trip possible. Thank you to all who donated. Thank you to the Senior Centers who welcomed the students. Thank you to the chaperones and the group’s bus driver, Clyde. Thank you to Ms. Proulx for all the planning required to make the trip a success. And lastly, thank you to the incredible Westbrook High School Chamber Singers. You performed so well, experienced rich history and culture, and helped spread joy to so many. We are in awe of your talent, character and all you have done to get here. You did good in so many ways. Huzzah to you all!

Meet the Drum Major: Jaslyn "Jazzy" Alcide

As the 2024 Drum Major for the Westbrook High School Marching Band, Jaslyn Alcide—known to us all as Jazzy—leads her peers with a blend of passion, dedication, and vision. A multi-talented musician, Jazzy's musical journey spans beyond the podium. From playing flute in the Wind Ensemble to exploring instruments like trombone, guitar, and banjo in various ensembles, she’s deeply embedded in the Westbrook music community. Her aspirations of becoming a band director and composer fuel her leadership style, and she carries a deep personal connection to this year’s show, "Legacy," which honors the late Jeff Smith.

In this exclusive interview, Jazzy opens up about her role as Drum Major, her reflections on this season, and what it takes to lead a marching band that strives for greatness. Let’s dive into her insights!

Can you tell us a little about yourself? What are your future career aspirations? 

I want to be a band director of a school with a marching band and to be a composer. 

What instrument do you currently play? What musical activities are you a part of?

I’m a flute player. I’m in Jazz Ensemble where I get to play trombone, Wind Ensemble where I play flute and sometimes piccolo, marching band where I’m the drum major but I also marched flute for 2 years and piccolo for 2 years, I’m in Winter Guard where I’ve spun flag and rifle, and I’m in PATH’s where I get to play a different array of instruments like guitar, piano/synth, banjo, and tenor sax.  

Can you tell us what it's like to be the Drum Major for the Westbrook High School Marching Band?

Being the Drum Major at Westbrook can be both nerve-wracking and reassuring, on one side you know that your band can be great but it’s knowing how to pull that greatness out of the kids. 

This year’s show, Legacy, holds a special meaning for the band. What does it mean to you personally?

The show Legacy personally means a lot to me. I was taught by Jeff for 4 years and I feel honored that I get to conduct the show that is in honor of him. Jeff was able to make a huge impact on my life as he did on many others. Jeff was truly able to make the Marching Band here at Westbrook something special. I will never be able to forget how Jeff helped me find a place where I truly belong.  

What’s the most rewarding part of working with the rest of the band as their leader? 

The most rewarding part of being the leader of the band is being able to connect with kids I would’ve normally interacted with if I hadn’t done marching band and being able to make them feel welcome. 

What are your goals for the band as you prepare for the US Bands National Championships?

As we prepare for US Bands my goal for the marching band is to really become like a close family, that everyone is giving as much energy as they personally can into performing the show, and that no one can look back and wish they had done more while they were still doing this show. 

What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in becoming a Drum Major in the future?

The advice I would give someone who’s interested in becoming a Drum Major in the future is to make sure you try to connect with each section of the band. If you’re able to connect with every section, even in the smallest way, you’re able to have a deeper understanding of each section and work.  

If you could sum up this marching band season in one word, what would it be and why?

I would sum up this marching season with the word “Strength” because it takes a lot of strength for the vets to be able to adapt to marching band without Jeff and just go with it. It takes the rookies a lot of strength to come in and have to be able to keep up with marching like a vet and learning their music and memorizing it in this setting. 

Watch Jazzy lead the band at the MBDA competition at Marshwood High School on October 19th!