The Naugatuck High School Marching Band ended their 2013 season on Saturday night on a very high note. They headed back to Kennedy Stadium in Bridgeport to compete in the Musical Arts Conference (MAC) Championship with high hopes of earning a score that would break into the 90s, after last week's 89.9.
The Greyhounds, under the direction of Mr. Robert Hughes, took to the field last at 7:30 pm to compete against the other unit in Class IV, New Fairfield High School's Marching Rebels. The Musical Arts Conference (MAC) sponsored the championship that included 11 bands from CT and UMASS Lowell in exhibition. When the scores were announced, NHS was thrilled to learn that they had indeed entered the 90s with a final score of 93.90. New Fairfield scored an 85.80, making the Greyhounds the Class IV 2013 Champions.
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Caption awards were given out for Outstanding Marching, Music, General Effect, Percussion, Color Guard, Woodwinds, Brass and Drum Major in each class and NHS swept all of those categories.
Band parents prepared and served a breakfast at the high school on Saturday morning in their honor. The members of the band enjoyed the celebratory send off before they head to rehearsal. Click here to view some photos taken at the breakfast.
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Upon their return to Naugatuck, the school bus carrying the band and color guard was given a police escort to City Hill Middle School. What a fitting tribute to the musicians and the adults who work with them!
Because I did not attend the competition in Bridgeport, I depended on some faithful band parents to keep me informed. Thank you to each of them for all their help. I share their messages here so that readers may appreciate their excitement.
Darlene Lopes sent me these instant messages immediately after the scores were announced at Kennedy Stadium: "Scored 93.4. Class IV Champs! They are getting escort from exit 26 through town and back to City Hill Middle School! So proud!! Ooops. 93.9. Sorry."
Mrs. Schulte explained the error in the decimal in Mrs. Lopes' first post in this message: "Looks like the score was actually 93.9! We were all so excited when we heard the score, nobody heard the part after the "93 - point..."Lol...
Mrs. Lopes posted a sincere "Thank you Ed Carter, Tamath Rossi and Mayor Bob Mezzo for arranging the police escort for the NHS Marching Band tonight. The kids love it because it makes them feel special and the parents even prouder than we already are! Just a great way to wrap up a great season!! Thanks again for your support!"
I would like to add my sincere congratulations to every member of the marching band and color guard on this well-deserved win. They all worked very hard to achieve their goal. Whether they attend NHS, Kaynor Tech, Nonnewaug, or WAMS, their dedication and teamwork has shown all season. Special thanks to Mr. Hughes and all the adults who work with the teens, as well as the dedicated band parents. The entire borough is so very proud. Go Naugy!
