IN OUR SCHOOLS

Annual 'Band Classic' marches in Roxbury this month

Michael Izzo
@MIzzoDR

ROXBURY – High school bands from Morris County and the surrounding areas will gather on Roxbury High School's football field this month for the sixth annual Roxbury Marching Band Classic.

The competition will take place on September 27 at the Roxbury High School, One Bryant Drive, Succasunna. Gates open at 5 p.m. with the competition running from 6 to 10:30 p.m.

Host bands Roxbury Marching Gaels and the Roxbury Sound football band will kick off the event with exhibition performances, along with a special performance by the Clifton High School Mustang Marching Band, modeled after the fast-paced "Big 10" college bands.

The 12 competing bands include Chatham, Dover, Morris Hills and Mount Olive high schools.

The marching bands are judged against other ensembles within their size category, with each band given a 15-minute block to enter the field, set up props and equipment, perform and exit the field.

"This early season objective critique can be used by the bands to improve their routines prior to the Championship competitions," Roxbury High School Band Parents Association President George Wendt said. "The Classic provides an exciting performance opportunity that showcases the talent of over 1000 kids in a totally supportive environment."

SEE PHOTOS:

Radio personality Bob Williams will announce the event.

General admission is $10 and $8 for students and seniors, with all proceeds benefitting Roxbury High School bands.

Hosted by the Roxbury High School Band Parents Association and the High School Instrumental Program, the Roxbury Classic is the band's premier fundraiser. In previous years, funding from the event has allowed Roxbury bands to sponsor visiting artists, purchase new equipment and award scholarships.

Funds also help subsidize student costs on special trips, which last year included performances at the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The Roxbury Marching Gaels were one of five high school marching bands featured in February's Super Bowl Halftime Show. The school's instrumental music program also was a 2012 recipient of the Sudler Flag of Honor, an international award recognizing high school concert bands.

For more information, email RHSBPA2012@gmail.com or visit the Roxbury band parents Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roxbury-HS-Band-Parents-Association/233999456668836.

Roxbury Marching Band Classic

What: Sixth annual competition between 12 local high school marching bands

Where: Roxbury High School, 1 Bryant Drive

When: Saturday, Sept. 27, at 6 p.m., gates open at 5 p.m.

Cost: $10 general admission, $8 for students and seniors, free for children under 4