Council Rock North Band Trots To Another First Place Finish

NEWTOWN, PA — The Council Rock North Marching Band raced to first place again with its show “Unbridled” in a Cavalcade of Bands competition on Saturday, November 5 in Horsham.

The 55-member band took top honors in the Liberty A division, competing against similar size schools at the annual 47th annual Tip of the Hat contest hosted by Hatboro-Horsham High School. The band also won the High Color Guard trophy.

Wayne Bishop, director of bands at the high school in Newtown, noted that every member of the band has made much progress as a performer since August, when intense practices began during two weeks of band camp.

“It isn't always easy to see that progress day-to-day, but as we approach championships, it's a great time to look back and see some real growth, said Bishop, who is in his eighth year as band director. “We get one last chance to perform this show on Saturday, and regardless of the results, everyone involved with this Band should be proud of their work this season.”

The Council Rock North Marching Band competes in the Cavalcade of Bands circuit. At a competition, a panel of judges evaluates the band on a variety of specific musical and visual techniques.

The band’s 2022 show “Unbridled” is a celebration of equestrian culture and the free spirit of horses. The arrangement uses familiar themes from the “William Tell” and “Light Cavalry” Overtures to illicit the power and grace of this majestic creature, bringing us back to our own childhood dreams of having our very own pony.

It’s the second consecutive victory for the band. On October 29, it placed first in a Cavalcade competition at Abington Senior High School.

“Unbridled” is based on a concept by a Drum Corps International show “Triple Crown” by Carolina Crown.

Coincidentally, Council Rock North will go for its own version of a “Triple Crown” victory Saturday, November 12, at the Cavalcade of Bands Championships in Hershey. Tickets will be available at the gate at Hersheypark Stadium.

There are more opportunities for the public to see the award-winning band in action closer to home. The public is invited to the Stadium Review Concert, in which the band takes its field show indoors at 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 15 in the auditorium at Council Rock North. Admission is free. The high school is located at 62 Swamp Rd., Newtown 18940.

The band will also perform at the tree lighting in Washington Crossing Historic Park on Friday, November 25; in the Newtown Holiday Parade on Sunday, December 4; and present a free winter concert on Wednesday, December 21, at the high school.

The band is also preparing for a performance tour in Hawaii next spring, and fundraising efforts are in full swing to offset the cost of equipment rental and instrument transportation. To make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.crnband.org/store.

To learn more about the Council Rock North Marching Band, visit CRNBand.org.