West Essex Knights Host Marching Band Tournament

The West Essex Regional Marching Knights will host a Tournament of Bands “Championship Weekend” at West Essex High School Saturday and Sunday, October 20 and 21.

The event will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday and will feature performances by more than 20 of the best marching bands in northern New Jersey. The 65 students in the West Essex Marching Knights will perform their show “Gotham: Escape from Arkham Asylum,” Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. and Oct. 21 at 5:15 p.m.

The weekend is a fund-raiser for the band boosters and band program with all proceeds dedicated to improving the band program. Admission is $10; $8 for senior citizens. The festival will also feature food, music and great entertainment.

All of the participating bands are competing for the chance to go to the Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast Championships at Hershey Park. West Essex is a Group II Open band with 65 members. So far this season, the Marching Knights have received one first place award, two second place awards as well as awards for best music and best drum majors at multiple competitions.

“It is an honor and privilege to host these two competitions,” said Marching Band Director John Scozzaro. “Visiting bands have always complimented West Essex on our facilities and the competition we host. Our band parents deserve the most credit because without them, these shows could not happen. They are the reason that everyone talks about West Essex hosting some of the best marching band competitions.”

The West Essex Regional Marching Knights are having a wonderful season, Scozzaro said. “The students really enjoy the show they are performing and have been working extremely hard to put on a good show.

“The students in the marching band are incredibly talented and have an immense amount of pride in this organization and it shows when they step on to the field,” Scozzaro said.

Many of the band members are very excited about this weekend’s event. “It is our home show and everyone gets to see us,” said P.J. Rizzo, a senior mellophone player from Fairfield.

Senior and clarinetist Jason Ajmo from North Caldwell said this year’s routine “Gotham: Escape from Arkham Asylum” is “fast-paced and high-energy.”