JACKSON – When a marching band takes the field, they are playing a variety of instruments. Horns blare and drums pound, but it all comes together into a cohesive song and performance.
Similarly, two schools’ bands came together to win their first New Jersey State Championship.
Due to financial reasons, Jackson Memorial and Jackson Liberty high schools merged into the Jackson Township High School, and this is the unified school’s first year.
The merging of the schools was historic, and so is this first win, said Band Director Scott Katona, who noted the entire band couldn’t be more excited.
He told The Jackson Times that this was the “the band’s first state title we are bringing home to the newly formed Jackson Township High School. Along with the title we also won special awards for Best Music, Best Percussion and Best Color Guard.”
The Jackson Township Marching Band has gone undefeated this season and ended the year on October 25 earning the official title of Group 4 Open NJ State Champions.
Katona said “the previous weekend they earned the title of Region Champions after beating their rival band Metuchen High School. Metuchen H.S. Marching Band was ranked 1st in the Region for weeks, up until the Jackson Marching Band claimed the victory and the title of Region Champions.”
“We compete in the Tournament of Bands Marching circuit and we are classified as Region 7. Region 7 consists of schools from the following counties: Hunterdon, Monmouth, Mercer, Somerset, Middlesex, Ocean and Union,” the band director explained.
Katona said “this is my 8th State title as band director in Jackson. I’m proud of these students and parents for coming together as one band and color guard and creating such a successful year. ‘One Town, One Sound’ has been my motto this year and I couldn’t be prouder of the outcome.”
Band member Joseph Orecchio, a sophomore and former Jackson Liberty High School student remarked, “this season was amazing. Being able to play with more students allowed for us to push the limits of what we are capable of playing.”
“I enjoyed meeting new people and having new experiences. The band did great in our first combined season, winning both regions and states,” Orecchio added.
Dan Dipierro, a junior and former Jackson Memorial High School student said, “It’s absolutely thrilling to be a part of history being made: two rival schools coming together, becoming friends, and making the greatest music we can.”
“We have worked so hard and I am incredibly proud of the memories and the progress we have made as one Jackson Township High School Marching Band! Topping off the season with two championships is the icing on the cake, and there are no limits to what we can achieve together,” Dipierro added.
“This accomplishment is a shining testament not only to their extraordinary talent and dedication, but to the power of coming together toward a common goal of excellence,” said Superintendent Nicole Pormilli. “Our students deserve every accolade of course, but I also want to recognize the hard work of our directors, parents, volunteers and supporters. The combined dedication of the band community has brought immense pride to our entire community, and this achievement promises great things ahead for the unified family we are building.”
“We are beyond proud of their hard work and dedication to the program,” Board of Education President Tina Kas said. “Having done marching band myself, I know the rigors of competition. It is a well-deserved award, and this will be something they will always remember. Stand tall Jackson!”
