GCHS Marching Band ends season on high note

Garden City High School’s marching band performed at the J. Birney Crum stadium in Allentown, Pennsylvania for the US Bands Division 2A National Championship. The band received a score of 89.1 and came in fifth place. This is not only the highest they have ever placed at nationals, but also the highest score they have ever received at nationals.

In the words of marching band director Mr. DellaMonica, “This performance was their final one of the season, and it was their best! The band never plateaued and just kept growing exponentially, from competition to competition. This year, one third of the students were brand new to the ensemble and one quarter of the band learned an entirely new instrument. It is astounding what they were able to accomplish this season.” 

This performance was especially bittersweet for the seniors in the ensemble. This was their final field show of their Garden City marching band career. Senior Michael Pieraccini said, “From the start of the season to now, I’m incredibly impressed at how much everyone in the band has grown. This nationals was the best we’ve had since I’ve been in the band, so I’m just really happy I had a good send off. I’m also really excited to see where the band goes from here, and I’ll definitely be visiting a couple times next year!” The students came off the field saying they had no regrets and performed their best show possible. 

Senior Irene Makrinos said, “Nationals is a time to show everyone what you’ve learned and really put on your best show. Looking back from being a freshman to now a senior, I think I’ve improved a lot. I am sad that this was my final show, but I’m glad that I got to show everyone my hard work over the years and really bring out my best at Allentown.”

Senior Ryan Melendez, agreed saying, “It was amazing to watch a full year of hard work go by so quickly. But it was worth it for the show we put on and the fun we had doing it.”