Band continues to excel in competition
By: Candice Leigh Helfand
MONROE At the start of the school day, the sun hits a tall glass display case outside the Richard P. Marasco Performance Center in Monroe Township High School in just the right way.
That sunlight gives the case’s contents a brilliant shine glistening trophies, gold-printed, framed certificates, and gleaming plaques all herald a group of young musicians’ recent successes.
Apart from victory, they also mark the group’s new role as the winners, as opposed to their usual role, supporting the football team from the stands.
This year, the band and color guard have their own victories to celebrate.
Prior to the start of the school year, these students began working on their originally composed 2006 presentation "Another Place, Another Time" to prepare for the United States Scholastic Band Association’s set of competitions around the state.
Their final round of competition will take place this Saturday, Nov. 5, and it’s the big one; the All State’s Championships in Allentown, Pa.
This year’s competition set was composed by Key Poulan a friend to the MTHS marching band with help on the percussion sections from band director Martin Griffin and another friend of the band, Don Smith.
They dedicated their time to marching patterns, choreography and perfecting notes and rhythms, all in the name of making sure they were at their personal best.
Their hard work and talent have secured them several consecutive weeks of triumph over other regional marching bands.
So far, the band has placed second in one competition at Cherokee High School in Marlton, and placed first for the past three weeks at Jackson High School, North Brunswick Township High School and The College of New Jersey, always in Group 5 their division, based on the size of the band, which stands currently at 130 members.
They have also garnered quite a few special awards along the way, including four for Best Percussion and Overall Effect, three for Best Marching and Color Guard, and two for Best Music overall out of 12 bands.
Their success is not without sacrifice though, including most of their free time on the weekends.
"The competitions are held every weekend in fact, starting the last weekend in September; we have one every weekend, through the first weekend in November," said Mr. Griffin. "They’re usually held on Saturday evenings or Sunday afternoons."
But their hard work and dedication have not been in vain. According to band members and directors, this year’s incarnation of the band is the best MTHS has seen.
"Quite honestly, I’ve been here seven years now, and they’ve gotten better. This year is the best we’ve ever had," Mr. Griffin said.
The seniors in the marching band agree that this year is their best yet.
"When we were freshmen, we weren’t even ready for competition," said Stephanie Lacava, a 17-year-old senior band section leader. "But now, we were ready before we even started, and it’s so much better now."
The band members’ parents recognize not only their children’s natural talents, but also the contributions the music teachers have made.
"We have a music staff to envy," said Joananne Teore, a member of the Monroe Township Music Parents Association. Ms. Teore said she’s impressed by Mr. Griffin’s excellent relationship with his students.
"He is soft spoken, but they have complete respect for him," she said.
Mr. Griffin is assisted by Robert Howatt, the band director at the middle school, which helps since he knows the students from previous years.
Along with Mr. Griffin and Mr. Howatt are a set of musical arrangers, visual designers and instructors for every section of the band, including the color guard and percussion sections.
In the end though, it’s all about fun, and along with the joy of success in competition, the band members are having a great time.
"They laugh and fool around just like teens should," Ms. Teore said. "I know my kid will look back and know she had great friends and memories of singing and cheering on the bus rides and now winning all these awards."
The students agree that competition has become a highlight of their school experience.
"It’s the best part of our year; it gets us energized," said Teresa Iskander, another 17-year-old senior section leader. "Every win gives you at extra oomph."

