The Colonia High School marching patriots had an impressive season with their show Heroes Fallen Not Forgotten. They competed in five competition coming in first (twice), fourth, sixth, and 13 respectfully.
This season The Marching Patriots paid homage to the military and civil rights leader with their show Heroes Fallen Not Forgotten. It was a show with a total of three parts. Shades of Shenandoah for Mrs. Bixby was part one. Part two was War, Politics, Homeland Tragedies. Let Freedom Ring was the last part.
The Marching Patriots competed in five competition in the US band circuit as well as performed at many football games. To prepare for all of these performances, they practice 90 minutes four times per week and rehearse for three hours every Wednesday. Band camp started in August and I is seven hours per day for two weeks.
Competition season
First competition the Marching Patriots went to was Jackson Memorial. Many were nervous for this competition especially first year color guard member Claire Lam. “I felt extremely nervous,” Lam stated, It’s not like a game where you can relax and not worry about being judged. Even though, I was shaking from all the anxiousness and the cold, I still had a great time.” In the end, the Marching Patriots came in fourth with a score of 81.325, a good start for the season.
The next day they competed in the J.P. Stevens competition. They had a lot to prove considering the came in four the previous day. This time the Patriots were more focus and therefore came in first place with a score of 83.050. They won all captions including best visual, best overall effect, and best music.
With a winning mindset Colonia Marching Patriots set on to a Tournament of Bands Competition at Woodbridge High School. Woodbridge High School is relatively close to Colonia making it a home competition for them as well. They had a lot to prove considering they came in first the competition before. The Marching Patriots came in sixth with a score of 82.050. “This wasn’t a good outcome for us,” band director Kevin Perdoni stated, “however because of this competition students realized that details make a difference and we were able to make improvements.”
The turning point of the season
Since Colonia didn’t have the best outcome the competition prior, they knew they needed to bounce back for the next competition. Which they were able to do. Colonia High School came in first place with a score of 85.300. They also won best captions for visuals, overall effect, color guard and percussion. “I was so proud of us for this competition,” Assistant Drum Major Kaylin Fernandez said. “The energy that night was amazing; something I haven’t experience in a while.”
Performing at the State Competition, The Marching Patriots are focus on winning.
Finally, the last competition of this season was states. Due to the weather the competition took place in Old Bridge instead of Pisactaway. The Marching Patriots were the first band to perform which added more pressure. Unfortunately, they finished in 13 with a score of 86.000. However, there hard work didn’t go unnoticed. They were the only band honored by the Marine Corps for their pride, professionalism and patriotism.
“This season was a huge success,” Perdoni stated. “Our patriotic theme was a hit with the audience, and the students did a great job. Due to their hard work the students were able to receive many awards, including two first place trophies.”
