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During the day high school bands competed in various classes of size and expertise. Some of the bands competing included units from New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and Georgia. The Marching Bears competed in Class VI, which features the largest and most highly skilled programs.
The Bears scored a high score of 97.375. The second-place finisher, South Brunswick, N.J., scored a close second, 97.338. Trumbull High School scored a respectable 95.987 and finished fourth, behind George Walton Academy of Georgia.
In addition to finishing first overall, the Marching Bears also captured individual honors (called Caption Awards) for finest percussion, visual and overall effect. These awards are judged separately and particularly target and rate designated aspects of the school’s program.
The championship caps off a remarkable season for the Bears, who have been led by their director, Chris Rivera. Earlier this season the Bears also won the Music Arts Conference championship.
Previously, the Bears won the MAC championship in 2013 and 2012. Last season their winter percussion group earned a silver medal in a world competition held in Dayton, Ohio. This is the first season that the band went undefeated from program to program, championship to championship.
Early next year the Bears will travel to Walt Disney World as they will be featured in a Disney parade. The band will perform at the Thanksgiving Day football game between Norwalk High School and McMahon.
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