THE PENN-TRAFFORD marching band has concluded its competitive season scoring the second-highest in school history. Despite the marching band settling into the off-season, the spring is set to open with indoor color guard and concert percussion. 

   “Since 2020, we have been fortunate enough to host Tournament of the Bands region eight,” said P-T bands director David Cornelius. Tournament of the Bands is a nine-state competition and a focal point during the marching band season, which encompasses the western half of Pennsylvania, as well as Ohio and West Virginia. 

   “Bands from all over the state come in as far as Youngsville and as close as East Allegheny,” stated Cornelius. Therefore, P-T earning the fourth highest score at the competition, and being named state champions for its respective region, “says a lot for our students,” added Cornelius. 

   The tournament judges the band on a 100-point scale, with questions of band synchronization, technique, the sophistication of music and drill and even foot movement, constituting 60 percent of the total evaluation.

   The other 40 percent is determined by the performance of another band-adjacent organization, the color guard. Their purpose is to “depict music visually,” stated Cornelius, as he stressed how vital they are to the competitive success of the band.

     P-T’s music department includes a variety of bands, which Cornelius described as “a co-curricular ensemble.” Not only does the high school offer a principal band class, but it also encourages students to rehearse after school often two days a week for three hours. 

  For students who may be unable to enroll in a band class due to scheduling conflicts, jazz band, symphonic band and concert percussion are strictly extracurricular activities. These latter organizations are known for their various concerts throughout the school year including the most recent Veterans Day concert, while many recognize the marching band most for their football halftime shows. 

   As the marching band season concluded, Cornelius stated, “This is one of my favorite bands I have ever worked with.” With P-T performing what the band considered one of its most demanding shows yet, “Their determination and drive made it what it was,” Cornelius added.