Jackson band seniors
depart on a high note
JACKSON — The Jackson High School Jaguar Band gave a fond farewell to the school year at its annual band banquet June 20. The band’s seniors had a chance to say a few words to their fellow band members, teachers and families while several students from all four grades received awards for the year’s performances.
Principal Linda Jewell, Band Director Bud McCormick, Jackson Band Parents and Students Association President John Ryan and several other high school staff members attended to commend the band and color guard for a successful, eventful and joy-filled year.
"I’ve really enjoyed being involved in the band and will miss everyone," Ryan said. "It’s been an amazing experience and everyone has just been so great to work with. We’ve really accomplished a lot and we should all be proud."
Ryan, a parent of a graduating senior, thanked the students, his wife, Karen, for her help and the many band parents who volunteered throughout the year.
"Everyone has worked so hard and been so dedicated to making this band one of the very best," Ryan said.
The year’s end means the changing of the guard as several parents of seniors stepped down from the Band Parents and Students Association to make way for new members. Al Kolb, a parent of two band members, will serve as the association’s president next year. Kolb has served as active volunteer with the band, along with his wife, Nancy, and is excited to take on his new responsibility.
The banquet was bittersweet for all as the band members, staff and families reminisced about past years and looked forward to new ones. All wished the seniors well as they move on to new adventures in college, in the military or in the workforce.
The band enjoyed numerous competitions, performances, trips, special events and fund-raisers throughout the year.
Some of the band’s accomplishments over the last year include a Today show performance for Conan O’Brien’s 10th Anniversary Special; EMBA Marching Band Circuit — Best Overall Grand Championship; Cavalcade of Bands Circuit — Best Overall Music out of 48 Bands; Cavalcade of Bands New Jersey State Champions — Highest Score of all New Jersey Bands; Mayors Cup Award — Brick Township Band Competition; Best Overall Grand Champion — Burlington City Band Competition; Best Overall Grand Champion — Cinnaminson Band Competition; Best Overall Grand Cham-pion — Sayreville Band Competition; Yamaha Cup Championships, Giant Stadium — Best Overall Music Effect & General Effect; performance for Jackson Day Parade — Best Overall Band; performance for Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony — Jackson Town Hall; performance for Veterans Day Ceremony — Jack-son Senior Center; performance for Ocean County Veterans Day Parade — Toms River; Second Place — New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and Memorial Day parade and ceremony, Jackson.