Bands, Beats, and Brilliance: Ridge Marching Madness Returns

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The sound of drums, brass, and pageantry will take center stage as the Ridge High School Marching Band hosts its much-anticipated 15th annual home competition, "Ridge Marching Madness," on Saturday.

For fans of music, energy, and school spirit, Ridge Marching Madness, a US Bands sanctioned "Gold Showcase" competition, is set to be an unforgettable afternoon under the fall sky. 14 high schools from across New Jersey will compete for top honors in a judged showcase of precision, music, and showmanship.

The event will kick off at 2:50 p.m. with the William Annin Middle School Wind Ensemble performing the National Anthem, followed by the first band performance at 3 p.m.

Band Director Dan Zugale, whose passion and leadership have shaped the Ridge Marching Band into one of New Jersey’s top programs, reflected on the journey and the community behind its success, saying, "When I started at Ridge in 2009, my goal was to build a band program consistently among the best in the state. The Ridge Marching Madness competition has been key to that growth, raising community awareness and inspiring future band members. We’re having another great season — on Oct. 4 in Piscataway, the Ridge Band earned first place and awards for Best Music and Best Effect. Hosting this event takes a small army of volunteers to ensure over 1,000 students and spectators have a great experience, and our parents do a tremendous job. A successful band program is truly a community effort, and it’s always fun to perform to a full house — so join us on October 25 to be part of the excitement!"

The host Ridge Marching Band will present the evening’s final performance at 7:05 p.m., featuring their 2025 show “Free as a Bird.” The awards ceremony will follow at 7:35 p.m., concluding an unforgettable evening of musical excellence.

The band roster in competition this year, in order of appearance, is:

• Memorial High School (West New York)
• Oceanside High School (Oceanside)
• Delaware Valley Regional High School (Frenchtown)
• Morris Knolls High School (Rockaway)
• Pompton Lakes High School (Pompton Lakes)
• Watchung Hills Regional High School (Warren)
• Morris Hills High School (Rockaway)
• Immaculata High School (Somerville)
• Fair Lawn High School (Fair Lawn)
• Pequannock Township High School (Pompton Plains)
• Nutley High School (Nutley)
• Northern Valley Regional High School (Old Tappan)
• Somerville High School (Somerville)
• New Providence High School (New Providence)

Organizers are calling on the entire community to come out and cheer on the best student musicians in the state.

"Marching Madness is more than a competition – it’s a celebration of music, dedication, and talent. We invite families, friends, and neighbors to join us for an unforgettable day. Your support makes the performers feel like rock stars. We want to thank every student who has poured their heart into rehearsals, every parent and volunteer who helps behind the scenes, and our generous sponsors who make this showcase a reality."

Tickets will be available at the Ridge High School performance field entrance: $12 for adults, $8 for students and seniors, and free for children under 5. Parking will also be free of charge. The concession stands will be located between the entrance gate and the performance field.

For more information about Ridge’s "Marching Madness" Home Competition, visit RidgeMarchingBand.com.

— Courtesy of Naveed Mustafa (proud father of Saleha Mustafa – a Junior at the Ridge High School and drumline in the Ridge Marching Band)