The Middletown Blue Wave Marching Band took home three first-place honors at the annual Cavalcade of Bands held September 20 at Governor Mifflin High School, but the victories were even more meaningful given the circumstances before and during the contest.
The competition was on the heels of an away football game Friday night at West Perry High School. Saturday morning, as the band was preparing to depart MAHS for the hour drive to Governor Mifflin, the truck that pulls the band’s equipment trailer (containing instruments and show props) was not working. Thankfully, band advisors were able to reach the MASD Operations Department, and staff member Mike Woodworth came to the high school and helped the group get a different vehicle. The ordeal put the band 45 minutes behind, but they arrived in time for their performance. Unfortunately, that was not the only setback of the day.
The marching Raiders encountered electronic issues at the start of their performance, resulting in a delayed show start. Miss Kristen Zlogar, Blue Wave Marching Band assistant director, said the group was praised by the judges for their poise and composure during the delay.
Despite the setback, the Blue Wave Marching Band took home first place in its division and took home first place in High Percussion and High Color Guard over all bands.
Miss Zlogar added that the band earned top honors without the complete show on the field. Early in competition season, it is common for bands to only perform a portion of their show until the entire performance is learned. The Blue Raiders had 3 out of 4 movements on the field, while the other school in the category performed its entire show.
Cavalcade of Bands was the group’s first competition of the season, and three more remain until the championships on November 1.
We are proud of the Blue Wave Marching Band for their accomplishments, but even more so for showing Raider PRIDE and persevering during difficult circumstances. We extend a big thank you to the Operations team for always being available for our students and staff (even on a Saturday morning)!
Members of the Blue Wave Marching Band await results from the annual Cavalcade of Bands. The group took home three first-place honors.