West Orange High School Marching Mountaineers Are State Champions

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following article is written by Max Shadow, and comes courtesy of the WOHS Sports Media Group. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The West Orange High School Marching Mountaineers have etched their names into school history with an extraordinary display of talent and dedication. Over the weekend of October 28 and 29, the Marching Mountaineers showcased their talent at two prestigious competitions, leaving a trail of success that will be remembered for years to come.

The journey began on Saturday, October 28, when the band descended upon Rutgers University to take part in the Bands of America (BOA) New Jersey Regional competition. This was no ordinary gathering of musicians; it featured twenty of the finest bands hailing from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Virginia, and North Carolina. The pressure was on as these ensembles vied for recognition on a grand stage.

In the preliminary competition, the Marching Mountaineers secured 4th place with a remarkable score of 80.25. Their talent and precision shone through, and the evening finals competition saw them once again clinch the 4th spot, this time with a score of 79.9. Notably, in both rounds of competition, the Marching Mountaineers stood as the highest-scoring band from New Jersey, proving that they were a force to be reckoned with.

"This weekend was truly historic for us. Our students have worked tirelessly to achieve this level of excellence. To be the highest-scoring band from New Jersey in such a challenging competition is a testament to their dedication and passion for music." Lewis Kelly, Director of Bands

But the story didn't end there. The very next day, Sunday, October 29, the band marched on to the New Jersey Marching Band Directors Association (NJMBDA) State Championships, hosted at The College of New Jersey. The Mountaineers showed no signs of slowing down as they claimed 1st place and the coveted STATE CHAMPIONSHIP title for Class AAAA, earning a remarkable score of 91.6.

The band swept the awards for Best General Effect and Best Visual Performance, leaving no doubt that they were the dominant force on the field. In fact, their score of 91.6 was the highest in the entire day of state championships.

Oscar Guerrero, Principal of West Orange High School, expressed his admiration for the band's accomplishments, stating, "The Marching Mountaineers have made our school and community immensely proud. Their dedication, hard work, and sheer talent shine through in every performance."

Such remarkable achievements don't happen in isolation. The band would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Music Boosters, school administration, and the dedicated individuals who have supported them throughout this remarkable season. Mr. Zichella, Mr. Housel, Ms. Cragle, and the numerous volunteers have played pivotal roles in nurturing the band's success.

As the Marching Mountaineers bask in the glory of their recent triumphs, their journey continues. These young musicians have not only raised the bar for themselves but have set an inspiring example for the entire community. The hashtags #wopride, #thebeatingheart, and #marchingband serve as reminders of the indomitable spirit that defines the West Orange High School Marching Mountaineers. Their passion for music and relentless pursuit of excellence have propelled them to new heights, ensuring their legacy endures for years to come.

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