By: Gene Gilligan
The Oct. 24 tournament, one of the largest of its kind in the Northeast, is the culminating event of eight weeks of contests held throughout New York State.
The band has 88 members, drawing musicians almost equally from each grade. To reach these heights requires a major commitment from students, their parents, and school administrators, said Band Director Michael Messina.
The band practices every Wednesday night from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, and then either plays at a football game or a band competition.
From its Aug. 2 "Band Camp" and parent-hosted barbecue, the band's schedule is full of competitions and football games.
The band is no stranger to success. Last year, they also made the championships, and placed eighth out of 11 teams in their Small School III division.
"Some of the kids were disappointed, but I pointed out to them what an honor it was to get that far," Messina said. A top five finish in their division this year is a realistic goal, he said.
While he is proud of the band's accomplishments, he is equally proud of the cultural diversity and camaraderie of its members.
"The band is very social, and is very mixed, culturally," Messina said.
The band will be putting its best foot forward for the competition, Messina said. It's program, titled "Rhapsody in Blue...and Green,' will feature the George Gershwin classic, followed by "Somewhere that's Green," from "Little Shop of Horrors"; the jazzy "On Green Dolphin Street'; and wraps up with a reprise of "Rhapsody in Blue."
Messina has special praise for Assistant Band Director Rachel Jessup; Color Guard director Amy Herman; and Drum Majors Samantha Komaroff and Aevon Watts.
The band is replete with talented musicians, but those students who aren't as musically gifted can also be part of a winning team, Messina said.
"Those who don't play can work in a behind-the scenes role, in setup, for example," Messina said. "We don't turn students away who want to join."
