Kids & Family

NHS Hosts Cavalcade: Shines a Light on CT's Marching Bands

Norwalk High School hosted bands from across Connecticut at the 31st annual Cavalcade, a combination of competition and exhibition.

Written by Leslie Yager
From the bird's eye view of the press box platform at Norwalk High School's Testa Stadium, here are highlights of the 31st Cavalcade of Bands which took place Saturday, Nov. 2.

Armed with a giant cupcake from Jodi Sanchioni's bake sale and a fat program booklet for the event, an auspicious start got even better when a band mom set up her tripod beside Patch.

Dr. Lee, a Shelton Marching band mom, who doubles as a chemistry teacher at Norwalk High School, answered questions about the various band "classes" which are based on the size of the band, and the significance of the "running of the flags" at the end of the competition. 

Beyond the competitive aspect of the event, several bands performed for exhibition only, including Norwalk Marching Bears, University of New Haven Chargers and the Wilton Warriors. 

The bleachers swelled with fans despite dipping temperatures that required trips to the concession for hot chocolate.

Brien McMahon High School's marching band kicked off the event with 90 musicians, three drum majors, 14 color guard and four honor guard. The Senators, with direction by Ron Secchi, performed "I Am!"

The Brookfield High School marching band and guard performed "The Grinch" with 30 musicians and seven members of the Guard, under the direction of Scott L. Friend.

Bethel High School performed to the music of Howard Hanson under the direction of Damon E. Coachman. The Marching Wildcats featured a 17-member color guard twirling giant pink flags, and 41 Class 2 musicians. 

Shelton High School's marching band, directed by Deborah Keller, begged the question: 'Who doesn't have a sweet tooth?' Their performance, based on Willy Wonka was complete with giant gold chocolate bars and a shout from the audience, "Solid chocolate!" 

Westhill High School marching band performance of selections from "Jekyll & Hyde" was directed by Michael Wyatt. The marching band benefitted from a the performance of a coed color guard who twirled giant patterned flags.

After intermission New London High School marching band, which had no color guard, drew the crowd to their feet with their musicianship. 

Naugatuck High School Marching Band, whose fans brought along little pink-hands applause makers, performed "Triumph," directed by Robert Hughes, Jr. 

Trumbull High School's Golden Eagle Marching Band performed "Vertigo" directed by Peter Horton featuring hypnotic twirling black and white umbrellas and a finale that left the entire band prone.

When Norwalk High School's Marching Bears marched onto Testa Field, local fans showed their appreciation. With music arrangements by Band Director Chris Rivera, the performance of "iSpy" took the audience on a journey through the eyes of a spy featuring a diamond heist, a chase and pursuit of a love interest. 

The Marching Bears were featured in a series on Patch this fall. 
What it Takes to be a Marching Bear: Part 1
What it Takes to be a Marching Bear: Part 2
What it Takes to be a Marching Bear: Part 3

Following the exhibition performance by the Marching bears was an exhibition by the University of New Haven Chargers.

Last but not least was the Wilton High School marching band, which was directed by Chip Gawle and John Rhodes and comprised of 160 musicians. Their Afro-Cuban themed performance included a version of "Spain" by Chick Corea, the Chicago version of Ellington's "Caravan" and an arrangement of Dizzy Gillespie's "Night in Tunisia."

Wilton's Marching Warriors have performed at Cavalcade since its inception and their fans turned out in force to watch them perform in exhibition. 

When the judges were finished, several local officials helped distribute trophies, including Norwalk's Mayor Moccia and State Senator Bob Duff, who was a drum major himself back in the day at Norwalk High School.

Results
Class 2 Competition:

First place. Score: 87.35. Color guard winner, Percussion winner Bethel High School.
Second place. Score: 85.6. Brookfield High School
Third place. Score: 85.5. Westhill High School
Class 3 Competition:
First place. Score: 81.90. With outstanding percussion, New London High School 
Class 4 Competition:
First place. Score:  89.4. Naugatuck High School
Class 5 Competition:
First place. Score: 86.55. With outstanding guard and outstanding percussion, Brien McMahon High School
National Class: 
First place. Score: 95.5. With outstanding color guard and outstanding percussion, Trumbull High School

The Jeff Smith Award, named after Norwalk High School's longtime band director who served 1982 to 2010, went to Trumbull High School.


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