Yellow Jacket Marching Band Wins State and New England Titles

The East Haven High School Yellow Jacket Marching Band holds the State and New England titles once again this year after yesterday’s USSBA Competition at Kennedy Stadium in Bridgeport.

Not only did the band place first, they were also awarded the prestigious "Cadet Award of Excellence."

Yesterday morning started out like any other Saturday morning before a competition for Matthew Laudano’s kids, but there was something different in the wind at EHHS, and everyone from the kids to the parents and the instructors felt it — a championship win was coming.

After practice the kids were served ‘a breakfast of champions’ made and served by some of the band moms. They had scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, and bagels, pastries and fruit salad.

As the dads in the pit crew loaded the band trailer, the kids dressed in their uniforms to board the buses for Bridgeport followed by a caravan of band families.

The Yellow Jackets took the field at Kennedy Stadium with a stellar performance of their 2011 field show ‘Glory’ to a cheering crowd that they totally captivated with music, props, and fine choreography in competition against four other bands in the Class IIA division.

East Haven took all of the caption awards, placing first in Color Guard, Percussion, Visuals, Music and Overall Effect.

Upon their return from the competition, the band was greeted at the town line by an escort from the and , as well as many proud parents and friends.

Most of the crowd headed for Chilli’s afterwards to celebrate the victory.

Congratulations to the Yellow Jacket Marching Band on an amazing season, and good luck next week at the Northern States National Championships in Allentown, Penn.