VERNON, Connecticut – Rockville High School will be alive with the sound of marching bands Saturday as the Rockville High School band hosts the US Bands New England States Championships.
Raymond Sinclair, the new Director of Bands at Rockville High School, said such competitions are a great opportunity to see and hear top notch bands and watch high school students give their all as they try to win a championship for their school.
“You’re going to see some of the best marching bands from around New England,” Sinclair said.
Vernon Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph P. Macary said it’s a great day for Vernon Public Schools to have the stadium at Rockville High School host the competition.
“Extracurricular activities that engage and challenge students are a crucial part of the education we offer in Vernon,” Dr. Macary said. “To compete effectively, students will use the musical skills they have developed, will cooperate with each other and create and achieve something that not only enriches their lives, but will result in a great show for all who attend and live within earshot of Rockville High School.”
Rockville High School Principal Jason Magao said giving students the opportunity to learn, perform and compete is an important part of the experience at Rockville High School. Saturday’s competition has the added bonus of giving band members the opportunity to share their talent with the community.
“Vernon has always taken great pride in the Rockville High School band and Saturday will be a great chance for the community to see what our band has been up to under the leadership of our new director,” Magao said.
Tickets are $20 at the door. The Rockville High School Band Boosters will sell refreshments and have fundraising raffles and a 50/50 drawing to benefit the Rockville High School band.
Volunteers are still needed to handle a variety of tasks, including traffic, logistics and food service. Volunteers get free admission. To sign up to be a volunteer, please visit: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4aaea829a4fcc16-newengland.
“We are hoping alumni, former band members, parents, anybody that can spare a few hours can come out and help us put this event on,” Sinclair said. “Anyone who can volunteer is greatly appreciated.”
US Bands was pleased to be able to use Rockville High School because of its spectacular football facilities and the school’s reputation for hosting great shows, Sinclair said.
“Spectators are going to see top quality performances from 14 bands from throughout New England,” Sinclair said. “For many of these bands, the competition will be their final performance of the season and two bands will be crowned champions.”
In addition to the Rockville High School Marching Band, competitors include Plainville High School, East Lyme High School, East Haven High School, Manchester High School, Rocky Hill High School, Danbury High School, Bethel High School and Fitch High School from Groton. Several Massachusetts bands will compete too. They include Case High School from Swansea, Mass., Abington High School, Dennis Yarmouth Regional High School and Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and the competition begins at 5:30 p.m. The Rockville High School band is second on the schedule and will perform about 5:40 p.m. The last performance is shortly after 9 p.m. and at 9:30 p.m. awards will be presented.