By Laura Lane
Its victory at the Columbus Day Parade marks the fifth time the high school has won. The students--composed of 29 color guard, 20 percussionists and 198 instrumentalists--worked long and hard to keep the winning tradition alive, which began for East Meadow High School in 1992.
The band practiced for the parade since the beginning of the school year everyday with the members of the color guard and drum line adding evening rehearsals to their busy schedules. Supervisor of music for the East Meadow School District Abby Behr felt that it all paid off.
"The honor is won not just on the music and precision of the marching," Behr explained. "It is also the attitude and confidence of the band members."
Behr said this was the first year East Meadow High School had students in the marching band who had not participated before in a previous Columbus Day Parade. She also added that this year more parents than ever came into the city to watch the parade, an added treat for the children involved.
"The presence, the pride that band members took and their discipline was mentioned by everyone," Behr said. "My friend said that when he saw us turn onto Fifth Avenue he knew we had won."
There are three categories used by the National Judges Association to choose the winner among the bands, which compete from all over the United States. They are not only judged musically, but also for their marching ability, and the impact they have on the parade watchers while performing.
The feedback was nothing but positive for the Jet Marching Band.
"The judges said that the entire band had a very professional look and were well trained," said Joel Levy, band director and chairperson of music at East Meadow High School. "They also said that they were very impressed by the sound, citing that the balance was outstanding."
With their latest success under their belts, the Jet Marching Band is preparing for the upcoming Cablevision Stanford Downtown Parade.
"Being in a band is an incredible experience," Levy said. "It teaches discipline. If a band is not disciplined, it will fall apart."
