Mustang band takes 2nd at states
Provided photos – Members of the Medina Mustang Field Band poses with their awards after Sunday’s championship show in Syracuse.
MEDINA – The Medina Mustang Field Band took second place in its division on Sunday during the state championship at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, where 52 bands competed in six different classifications.
Medina competes in the SS1 class against six other schools. New Hartford took first place with a score of 92.10 followed by Medina at 89.90. Other rankings include Northwestern in seventh at 83.65, Oswego in sixth at 84.10, Mohonasen in 5th at 84.85, East Irondequoit in fourth with 85.45 and ESM in 3rd with 89.70.
There were more than 5,000 students in the New York State Field Band Conference annual championships. Medina won the state title last year.
Medina started the day at 8 a.m. with the Dome Breakfast put on by the Boosters and the help of many parents as a kind of “pep rally” to bring everyone together. For the seniors it was exciting to be returning to the Dome, but at the same time they knew it would be the last time they would perform their show together. Seniors draw a tear on their cheek for the last show.
Medina this season performed a 7-minute Miss Saigon repertoire including “The Heat is On,” “Please,” “March of the Dragon,” and “Fall of Saigon.”
Band Director Jim Steele said the kids did everything they were asked to do and their performance was outstanding. There are many life lessons to be learned when participating in an activity such as marching band.
As long as you put your best performance out there, whether you come in first or not, that’s good enough, Steele told the students. Before going on the field to perform and after the awards, Steele had the band members form a circle and hold hands with the people around them. No matter what position you win or what trophy you come home with, the people in that circle and the friendships made will still be there, he said.
While the Field Band season is coming to a close the students are preparing for their winter concerts. Winterguard will begin practicing for their show.
