Marching Band
| August 2010 |
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| Written by Administrator |
| Wednesday, 01 September 2010 06:32 |
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MARCHING BAND & COLOR GUARD: TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE  Over the past decade, the Fair Lawn High School Marching Band & Color Guard has enjoyed unparalleled success in striving for and maintaining a high level of performance.   Nine consecutive national Top 15 finishes. Five straight invitations to the United States National Marching Band Championships – the only Bergen County school to do so. Three-time national champions in percussion. National Bronze Medalists as a band at the first-ever U.S. championships.   It truly has become a program synonymous with excellence.   But for director of bands Paul Kafer, it has always been and will always be the performances themselves, not the wins and losses, which matter most.   “We’re proud to have built a program that is recognized as one of the best,” said Mr. Kafer, who is entering his 14th season with the Cutters. “Students entering the program know there are high expectations. Our concern is that they learn and grow as musicians and artists during the course of the season and give it their all every time they take they field. That’s what makes champions. Yes, it’s nice to know that come Nationals we’ll be among the top ensembles, but for us it’s the performance, not the placement, that counts.”   “Our interests are in providing our students with the educational opportunities to perform at the highest possible level,” said Mr. Kafer. “Whether that’s at the National Championships in Annapolis or performing at Disney World in Florida, that will never change.”   Performing in the most competitive class in the country, Group IV Open, Fair Lawn will once again face the strongest bands in the U.S. including two-time national champions Nazareth Area High School of Pennsylvania, defending national champion King Philip Academy of Massachusetts, and 2006 champion Absegami of Galloway Township, NJ.   “Unlike team sports, we can’t have any effect on what anyone else does,” said Mr. Kafer, noting the uniqueness of competitive marching band where bands don’t compete head-to-head but rather perform separately and are then scored by a panel of judges. “We’re only concerned with how we do.”   Mr. Kafer has been pleased with this year’s annual two-week summer “band camp” in which students learn this year’s show. The camp ended August 26 with a run-through performance, traditionally attended by 200 family members and friends.    “We have a lot of students who are at the same level talent-wise and who have similar attitudes,” added Mr. Kafer. “It’s been a terrific camp and we’ll be ready for another great season.”   The Cutters will perform at home and away football games and in six of their own competitions, including the New Jersey State Championships in Old Bridge on Oct. 24, the Northern States Championships in Allentown, PA on Oct. 30, and at their fifth consecutive United States National Marching Band Championships at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD on Nov. 6.   Fair Lawn’s 2010 show is entitled Beyond the Periphery. Unlike past year’s shows which told a story, this year’s program showcases the visual elements of the Color Guard and the musicians working together within the frameworks that hold people in or out as they evolve. The 89 student ensemble including the 18 member Color Guard will perform 58 musical sets covering an entire football field.   “Giving it their all and aspiring to be great is what makes a winning program,” said Mr. Kafer.  ###  The 2010 Marching Band & Color Guard Performance Schedule Sept. 25 USSBA Show at Piscataway, NJ Oct. 2 USSBA Show at Rockaway, NJ Oct. 10 USSBA Bergen County Invitational at Bergenfield, NJ Oct. 24 New Jersey State Championships at Old Bridge, NJ Oct. 30 Northern States Championships at Allentown, PA Nov. 6 US National Marching Band Championships at Annapolis, MD Feb. 10-15 Disney’s Magic Music Days at Orlando, FL  |
| Last Updated on Thursday, 16 September 2010 17:53 |