JACKSON — Jackson Memorial High School Band Director Bud McCormick began his 20th year with Jackson’s band on Aug. 22 when the Jackson Jaguar March-ing Band performed on the high school football field for the first time this season.
Friday’s show filled the bleachers with parents, friends, alumni and community members as the band gave the first of the season’s many performances.
Mayor Michael Kafton was on hand to show his support for the band and to present the band with a check for $15,000 from the Township Committee for the purchase of new band uniforms.
Members of the audience and the band clapped and thanked the mayor for the township’s support.
The band then gave a rousing performance as onlookers applauded and cheered.
The band performed "My Favorite Things," "Sophisticated Lady," "It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing," "Straight No Chaser" and "Malaguena," all selections from this year’s show which is titled "Jackson’s Favorite Things."
McCormick provided the audience with insight on the difficulties of the performance, which includes different sections of the band performing in different tempos.
The band’s next performance will be on Sept. 12 at the Jaguars’ home football opener against Marlboro High School that will begin at 7 p.m.
The band will perform the national anthem prior to the game and will then perform its show at halftime as well as stand music during the game.