The Pride of Metuchen Marching Band will be the host to the second “Beats in the Borough” from 1-4 p.m. on Sept. 25.
Over six high-profile high school marching bands from around the Garden State will perform at Metuchen High School, 400 Grove Ave., Metuchen.
This is an annual Tournament of Bands Outdoor Competition held by the MHS Marching Band. An array of concessions will accompany the music and competition. The Pride of Metuchen and other bands include J.P. Stevens, Perth Amboy, Weehawken and the choreography of their accompanying Color Guards. Over 300 students will participate in the program. Admission is $10, $7 for senior citizens and students under 18, $5 for children ages 5-12 and children under age 5 are free.
Tournament of Bands (TOB) is one of the largest competitive band organizations in the United States. The Metuchen High School Marching Band, under the direction of John Messenger, is composed of 85 dedicated music students who perform every weekend throughout the fall.
The highlight of the 2015 season saw The Pride of Metuchen win the Tournament of Bands Group 3A Atlantic Coast Championships on Oct. 31 in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. The Pride of Metuchen achieved a score of 94.01 against bands from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland. The Pride of Metuchen also received awards for high music, high visual, best drum line and best color guard. The band is now allowed to compete in the open, or expert, class this coming season.
The competition is held with dedicated assistance by the Metuchen High School Music Parents Organization and benefits the Metuchen music program, an award-winning district-wide curriculum that gives all students a change to learn a musical instrument and work together in a variety of ensembles and orchestras from third through 12th grade.
For more information, contact Jana Siciliano, publicity chair for Beats in the Borough, 2016.