Wayne Valley HS Marching Band Crowned USBand's National Champion

The Wayne Valley High School Marching Band was crowned the USBand’s National Champion at the Nov. 9 USBand’s National Championship in Allentown, PA.

With a score of 93.663, the band placed first against 17 bands and won awards for Best Music and Best Visual. The band was also awarded the U.S Army award of Excellence which is given to the band “who best displays the values and beliefs of the US Army.”

USBands, a program of Youth Education in the Arts, is a competitive circuit for scholastic band programs nationwide. The 45 talented students of the marching band compete in Group 2A, which was considered one of the most competitive groups in USBands.

The marching band attended six regular season competitions throughout New Jersey and earned four first place trophies, one second place and one third place trophy by less than a point. The band also received numerous awards for Best Music, Best Percussion, Best Color-Guard, Best Overall Effect and Best Visual throughout the season.

The Wayne Valley High School Marching Band met many milestones that have never been reached in Wayne Valley history. This is the first time a marching band in Wayne has been crowned a National Champion, and since competing in Group 2A, this is the first time the band scored over 90.

The band’s fall production was titled “Pursuit of Freedom,” and included original music composed by renowned composer Rick Bullock. The show was designed to use music, visuals and even narration to show pride and respect to the many freedoms we currently enjoy because of sacrifices made in the past.

The Drum Majors for the band are Senior Jake Valente and Junior Dan Gottlieb. Section Leaders are Kristen DiTucci, Keshav Ravi, Grace Franklyn, Alex Douthat, Molly Besso and Emily Ramos. Band Director is Gabriel Batiz, Assistant Director is Pedro Morales. Music and Visual Staff include Khyle Burnham, Aaron Staluppi, and Michael McClam. Percussion Instruction is done by Jasmine Henry and Dan Giannone. Color-Guard Instruction is done by Paige McKay and Nicole Iwaniszyn. Music was written by Rick Bullock and and Drill was written by Adam Freeman.

The marching band will be performing again at the Wayne Preakness Parade on Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. Any information regarding the Wayne Valley Band Program can be found at www.waynevalleyband.com.