Londonderry High School Student Activities and Achievements
Londonderry High School is home to a diverse array of extracurricular programs that foster artistic talent, technical innovation, and academic excellence. From world-renowned musical performances to award-winning robotics and competitive mathematics, the school provides students with opportunities to excel on local, national, and international stages.
The Lancer Marching Band and Colorguard
The Lancer Marching Band and Colorguard is one of the most prominent student organizations at Londonderry High School. With 280 members, it stands as the second largest marching band in New England and the seventh largest east of the Mississippi River.
The Lancers have built a global reputation through high-profile performances. They have appeared five times at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, including an invitation extended on October 21, 2016, for the 129th parade in 2018. Their international reach extended to China in 2008, where they performed on the Great Wall during the pre-game festivities of the Summer Olympics.
In addition to international travel, the band maintains a strong presence in the United States. They are annual participants in the New York St. Patrick's Day Parade, having performed there 21 times. Notably, in 2009, the band chose to maintain this tradition in New York despite receiving an invitation to march in the St. Patrick's Day parade in Ireland. The band has also marched in the inauguration parades for President Barack Obama in both 2009 and 2013.
Notable Performance History
- New York St. Patrick's Day Parade: 21 performances
- Tournament of Roses Parade: 5 performances
- Walt Disney World: 1988, 1996, 2001, 2006, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2022
- Presidential Inaugurations: 2009 and 2013 (Barack Obama)
- Other Highlights: Orange Bowl Parade (1999), Miss America Boardwalk Parade (2002), and the Washington DC St. Patrick's Day Parade (2013).
STEM and Academic Excellence
FIRST Robotics Team 1058: The PVC Pirates
The school's FIRST Robotics Competition (a global program where students build industrial-sized robots to compete in a field game) team, Team 1058, began in 2003 as the "Dragoons." By the 2004 season, they rebranded as the "PVC Pirates" after a robot design that resembled a sailing ship when deployed.
Over its nineteen-year history, the PVC Pirates have reached the FIRST Championship seven times. The team is highly regarded for its outreach, winning the Granite State Regional Chairman's Award in 2012, the Northeastern District Chairman's Award in 2014, and the UNH District Chairman's Award in 2015. In 2019, they again won the District Chairman's Award at the UNH event after establishing two FIRST LEGO League teams at Londonderry Middle School.
A pinnacle achievement occurred in 2017, when the team seeded first and captained the winning #1 alliance in the Archimedes division at the World Championship in St. Louis, MO, earning a spot to compete on the Einstein Field against hall of fame teams and past world champions.
Mathematics and Quizbowl
The Londonderry High School math team has a history of state-level success, placing first in the New Hampshire State Mathematics Competition during the 1992–1993, 2006–2007, 2007–2008, and 2010–2011 seasons. Under the guidance of Coach Mike Wenger, the team also secured a second-place finish in the Tri-State Math League and ranked 12th in the New England Mathematics Competition.
The school's quizbowl team also competes at a high level, participating in the New Hampshire Quiz Bowl League and the Granite State Challenge television program. Highlights include a championship win in 1984 under James Choquette, a fourth-place finish in the 2007 playoffs, and a semifinal appearance in the state tournament during the 2021-2022 season.
Community Service: Hair Donation Drive
Londonderry High School demonstrates a commitment to philanthropy through its annual hair donation assembly. For years, students have donated hair (minimum eight inches) to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths campaign to create wigs for cancer patients. Although the official Pantene campaign ended in 2018, the school continues to host this annual hair drive to support those in need.
Key Facts
- Lancer Marching Band: 280 members; 2nd largest in New England.
- Robotics: Team 1058 (PVC Pirates) has attended the FIRST Championship 7 times.
- Math Success: Four-time New Hampshire State Mathematics Competition winners.
- Global Reach: Band performances include the Great Wall of China and the Tournament of Roses Parade.
- Philanthropy: Ongoing annual hair drive for cancer patient wigs.
| Program | Key Achievement | Notable Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Marching Band | Global Performances | 5 Tournament of Roses appearances |
| Robotics (1058) | World Championship Success | Archimedes Division #1 Alliance (2017) |
| Math Team | State Championships | 1st Place NH State Competition (4 times) |
| Quizbowl | Television Competition | Granite State Challenge Champions (1984) |
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is the Lancer Marching Band?
The band consists of 280 members, making it the second largest marching band in New England and the seventh largest east of the Mississippi River.
What is the history of the "PVC Pirates" name?
Originally known as the "Dragoons" in 2003, Team 1058 changed its name to the "PVC Pirates" in 2004 because their robot's deployed design resembled a sailing ship.
Does the school still participate in the Pantene hair drive?
Yes. Although the Pantene Beautiful Lengths campaign ended in 2018, Londonderry High School continues to hold an annual hair drive to help make wigs for cancer patients.
Which presidential events has the band participated in?
The Lancer Marching Band performed in the inauguration parades for President Barack Obama on January 20, 2009, and January 21, 2013.
What are the math team's most significant honors?
The team won the New Hampshire State Mathematics Competition in 1992–1993, 2006–2007, 2007–2008, and 2010–2011.