OSWEGO, NY – It was a perfect evening for the annual “Pageant of Champions” at Joe Wilber Field.
Despite the threat of inclement weather early in the morning, the day evolved into a perfect fall day as comfortable temperatures greeted the hundreds of fans who turned out for the New York State Field Band Conference competition in Oswego.
A quartet of National Division bands were on the field and the Wildcats from West Genesee captured first place with a score of 87.45 while following them were Victory 85.95, Liverpool 83.95 and Cicero-North Syracuse 82.80.
Single bands participated in the other three categories. Auburn, a Large School 3 band, earned a 72.85 while Small School 2 representative Jordan-Elbridge had a 73.50 and the Large School 1 member East Syracuse-Minoa earned a 77.60 final score.
The host Oswego High School Marching Buccaneers performed in exhibition and presented a crowd pleasing performance.
It was also the final home “Pageant of Champions” appearance for Oswego High School seniors – Katherine Hennessey, Jennifer Kelley, Emilie Benigno, Ashleigh Thompson, Khadijah Malone, Gina Bartholomew, Kyrstin Blackburn, Morgan Hanley, Courtney Geers, Elizabeth Combs, Brandon Walker, Jeffrey Murray, Naomi Greco, Monica George, Eve Simmonds, Katelyn Croucher, Stephen Richmond, Taylor Braun, Katherine Schermerhorn, Ross DeMidio, Mike Gill, Stephen Hook and Emily McCabe.
This Saturday evening the Marching Bucs will be joined by Webster in National Division competition at Auburn. Oswego will perform at 8:45 p.m. to complete the show which will include Hornell, Vestal, Westmoreland, Marcus Whitman, Auburn, Rome Free Academy, Norwich and Baldwinsville.
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Congratulations! These students represent the very best of Oswego. It is a testament to their superb character that they are able to maintain their academic studies while keeping up the hectic schedule of practices and performances. They have my utmost respect. In fact, it’s interesting to note that the students throughout the district involved in music are usually the best and brightest. The music department staff, from kindergarten through high school, should be commended over and over again for the amazing job they do. They too have my utmost respect. I sure hope they not only feel appreciated, but are also paid the same as the sports coaches.