Marching bands put on a show in Medina with return of Fall Festival of Bands

Photos by Ginny Kropf: The Medina Mustang Marching Band performs a colorful routine celebrating “Together” for the crowd at Veteran’s Memorial Park Saturday night.

MEDINA – For a while Saturday night, it looked like rain might put a damper on the Mustang’s Fall Festival of Bands.

But about 10 minutes before show time, the rain let up and in spite of a few sprinkles, the show went on.

The Covid pandemic has impacted marching bands everywhere, most of whom didn’t meet at all last year, and others who are smaller in number because students are hesitant to gather in large numbers.

Six bands were scheduled to perform at Veteran’s Memorial Park Saturday night, with only Jamestown canceling at the last minute due to an outbreak of Covid.

The Pioneer Marching Band from Yorkshire performed under a brilliant night-time sky Saturday during the Fall Festival of Bands.

Those who competed were Pioneer Marching Panthers from Yorkshire in Small School 3, Hilton Crimson Cadets in Large School 3, West Seneca in Large School 2, Medina in Small School 1 and Lancaster in National Class.

As there was only one school in each class, everyone went home a winner, the announcer said.

Pioneer scored a 69.55; Hilton, 74.25; West Seneca, 78.35; Medina, 83.6; and Lancaster, 80.65.

As with last week, the defending New York State Field Band Champion Medina earned the highest score of the evening.

Awards were handed out by Medina School Superintendent Mark Kruzynski.

The Mustang’s next competition will be Oswego on Saturday, followed by Webster on Oct. 9, Victor on Oct. 16, Greece on Oct. 23 and, finalizing the season, the Field Band Championships Oct. 31 at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse.

Although smaller in number than in previous years, the Mustang Marching Band performed their award-winning routine for visitors and the home crowd Saturday night.