Local High School Bands Capture 1st At Inaugural State Contest

PASADENA, MD — Chesapeake and Broadneck high schools performed well in the Maryland Marching Band Association’s first-ever state marching band competition, capturing first place. Broadneck High School, under the direction of Matt Heist and drum majors Cecilia Skorupa, Maddie Hamilton and Aidan Myers, placed top out of of six teams in the Class 3A division and was the largest marching band to compete in the state. Chesapeake High School, under the direction of Clay Michalec and horn sergeant Skye Farley, beat nine other teams to take first place in the Class 1A division. Old Mill High School also won for the best percussion unit in the Class 2A division.

“The dedication and efforts that our students consistently display make me proud every single day,” Heist said in a statement. “Their pursuit of excellence is a true testament to their character.”

The win was even sweeter for the Chesapeake High School Marching Band, which has doubled in size in the past 10 years. The group now has 36 members.

“Everyone involved in our band program has worked so hard for so long to make this happen, and I am absolutely thrilled for all of them,” Michalec said in a statement. “Our musicians, parents, staff, boosters and our entire school have embraced the incredible possibilities of this program. Each of them shares a piece of this championship. This is truly one of the most beautiful moments of my teaching career and I’ll remember it for the rest of my life. ”