On September 28, the JP Stevens Marching Hawks hosted their annual marching band competition for numerous schools from around the state to compete in. This event is not only a good way for bands to see how they compare to others but also a medium  for these groups to perform in front of an audience and showcase their work. 

In preparation for the event, students of the band and parent volunteers helped set up tables for snacks to raise money for future events, tables with trophies to be handed out to the bands, and the sound system as well. All the students of the band pitched in money to sponsor a trophy in order to make sure that each band left home with an award for their performance. Along with this, the snack table held food such as pizza, chips, and popcorn accompanied by various drinks including soda and water. 

As 4:00 PM rolled around, the first few bands of fifteen began to go down the road, leading to the football field in their buses. Before their performance, each band is allotted a time and a place to practice and warm up in order to be on top of their game. Students and parents alike arrived at the bleachers and filed into the rows of seats to watch the performance of their children or peers. 

The beat of the drums and the powerful sounds of the brass and woodwinds begin to diffuse throughout the field and stands as the first band begins their performance. As one band performs, another is standing by, waiting for their time to shine. With the schedule set in place, the event was able to run smoothly.  There was never an off beat, and the audience was kept entertained, watching one band after the other. The overwhelming sounds of the bands penetrate past the trees of the forest and could be heard from way down the street. Each and every show was unique and entertaining as they all had various themes with exciting music and visuals. The bands are judged by multiple judges who each specialize in one aspect of marching band, such as ensemble music, individual music, general effect, and visual effect. While every band is there to win, the comments from the judges are also very useful when preparing for future competitions.

“I love being able to perform and watch all the different bands that have come from around the state just to be here,” said senior trumpet player Taran Vakkada. “The music of all the marching bands is thrilling and I can’t wait to hear more.”

Following the last competing band’s performance, the JP Stevens Marching Hawks begin setting up their own show in exhibition as the last performance of the night. Though they are not a part of the actual competition, the band still received criticism from the judges, allowing them to also enhance their performance with feedback. WIth an interesting theme of “seek”, the show features many compelling visuals and melodies that make it an enjoyable watch. 

“Playing in front of such a big audience is a surreal experience and I am glad to be a part of this group,” said freshman baritone player Himank Aggarwal. “I am really proud of how far I have come as a new marcher and how far the band has come in general as well.”

After an exhilarating performance by the JP Stevens Marching Hawks, the most anticipated moment of the night begins: the award ceremony. To begin with, placement awards are given out to each group within their respective classes. These classes range from 1A to 4A and are based upon the size of the band. Along with placement awards, caption awards are also given out within each class including best music, best visual, and best general effect. Ultimately, Edison High School’s marching band won the overall grand champion award as they earned the highest score of the night.

Overall, the event went smoothly and was a success as every band was able to compete and have an experience of a lifetime.