On Oct. 27, the Garden City High School barching band earned first place in Division IIIA in the U.S. Bands New York State Championship.
The band achieved first place in every category, winning Best Music, Best Effect, Best Visual, Best Color Guard and Best Percussion. With a score of 89.3, the group also placed second among the eight other competing ensembles and earned the highest score the band has ever received at this competition.
The band incorporated two new drill movements, additional transition material and six new visuals to their performance. They also refined musical details including articulation, dynamics and “impact moments,” all of which contributed to their record-breaking score.
“The students and staff worked hard to achieve this level of growth, and I couldn’t be prouder of them,” said band director Daniel DellaMonica. “This was hands down their best performance of the season, and they peaked at the right time!”
The marching band’s next competition is on Nov. 10 at the U.S. Bands National Championship in Allentown, Pennsylvania.