Crusader Marching Band Brings Home First Place Wins

“Mark-Time-Mark!” The Johnson High School Crusader Marching Band took the field Saturday evening at Matawan Regional High School in its debut Tournament of Bands competition, and went home with three first place trophies in hand within the Group 1, Class A Band Category. Taking first place at this very first competition is a huge accomplishment for the marching band, color guard and  advisor team, as well as a source of pride for Johnson High School.

Led by ALJ High School Band Director, Rachel Bollaro, and Drum Major, senior Odoardo Pacella, the marching band impressed the judges earning an overall Group 1, Class A Band score of 77.40, nearly six full points ahead of second place winner, Dunellen. They also earned first place in visual effect (color guard), and music awards for the category.

Johnson High School went many years without a marching band to perform at football games and compete regionally when enthusiasm waned and enrollment in the program declined years ago. When Rachel Bollaro came aboard as band director at ALJ a few years ago, her goal was to change all that. She founded a small “pep band” to play in the stands at varsity football games, and in 2009 formed a small marching band to test the waters with a short field show. Last fall, she brought some talented eighth grade musicians up from Kumpf Middle School to bolster the marching band’s ranks. With increased numbers, she was able to develop a longer, more comprehensive field show. This year she felt they were ready to face the judges and demonstrate their skills, competing against bands of similar size from across the region. Saturday’s win was a huge confidence boost for the students, and well deserved payoff for many long hours of hard work for this young marching band and color guard family.

The Johnson Crusaders Marching Band heads to its second local competition next Saturday, October 8 in Roselle Park and a third on October 16 at Governor Livingston High School in Berkeley Heights. Chapter Championships will be held in late October.