Schools
WATCH: West Orange HS Band Takes Home National Championship
It's been a historic season for the West Orange High School Marching Band. Watch a video of the team in action here.
WEST ORANGE, NJ — The West Orange High School Marching Band ended a historic season with a Group VA USBands National Championship win in Allentown, Pennsylvania on Sunday.
According to a school news release, the Mountaineers garnered a score of 96.693 and took home top honors for best music, best visual, best overall effect and best percussion.
The USBands National Championship event was held at the J. Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown, and is the largest marching band competition circuit in the United States, school officials said.
Find out what's happening in West Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Watch a clip from the event below.
Find out what's happening in West Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Over the course of the season the band was undefeated in their group, and this was the first national championship in the band’s history,” enthused Band Director Lew Kelly. “I am extremely proud of this year's band for the many, many accomplishments we had throughout the season.”
“Every member worked tremendously hard from the summer rehearsals, through band camp and all the way to championships and the results speak for themselves,” Kelly said. “The student leaders provided tremendous leadership and spirit all season. A very special thank you to all staff, parents, and administration for all of their support. Congratulations to this year's seniors for four years of pride, dedication and excellence.”
Senior Austin Bartola, a member of the percussion team, called Sunday’s win an “awesome way to have wrapped up my marching band career.”
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