By Enrique Freed, Photos by Erin Alzuri
Host band closes annual event with exhibition performance after welcoming competitors from across the area
Percussion – check! Woodwinds, brass, color guard – also check! Majorettes, drum major – Yes! No fall weekend is complete without this ensemble of students marching on the field – producing the incredible sounds of music while performing in synchrony.
For the 12th consecutive year, Bennington High School hosted its Marching Invitational on October 3. Instrumental Music Director, Cassi Vallis, said the invitational gives Bennington students a chance to share their pride in the program while experiencing a range of performances. “We have all sorts of different schools that come to our event, and because of this, students get to see all types of bands, ranging from smaller 7-12 groups to larger varsity groups, which is really important to us,” Vallis said.
This year’s event brought 13 marching bands together competing in front of family, friends, judges and peers. Erin Alzuri, member of the Bennington Marching Band Booster, adds, “Each visiting band presents its routine, receives scores from judges and waits for the awards ceremony, when ensembles are recognized through ratings and class placements.”
As the host, Bennington did not compete. Instead, its marching band closed the event with an exhibition performance that showcased the students’ work on the show’s music and choreography. Vallis says this opportunity to perform is all students want: “I think the students are most excited to present the artistry and creativity that has gone into this show. Every one of these students has put effort into learning the musical and visual elements we have added, and should all be incredibly proud of the progress they have made.”
Despite not competing, Bennington still received a superior rating at the event. The performance followed recent success at the Bellevue Band Festival, where Bennington finished second in Class 3A and sixth overall. “We have been working incredibly hard on improving our show and are really excited to continue showcasing the progress we have made,” Vallis said.
Bennington students also helped operate the invitational when they were not performing. They assisted with event duties and worked with marching band boosters, gaining firsthand experience in the service, teamwork and planning required to run a large event.
The event concluded with individual results handed out for band, drumline and color guard. Receiving a superior rating for band: Bishop Neumann, Lewis Central and Norfolk. For drumline: Bishop Neumann, Lewis Central, Wahoo, Blair, Ralston and Norfolk. For color guard: Lewis Central, Blair and Norfolk.
