Jets Marching Band Takes First In NYC Columbus Day Parade

NEW YORK CITY, NY — The East Meadow High School’s Jets Marching Band captured first place in New York City’s 78th annual Columbus Day Parade on Oct. 10. The W.T. Clarke High School’s Rams Marching Band took second-place honors.

“It is always so exciting to march down 5th Avenue in Manhattan and we are so proud of our kids,” said Stephen Engle, East Meadow High School’s chairman of music. “They worked extremely hard and showed a great deal of growth this season.”

The Jets have performed in the annual Columbus Day Parade since 1992, and this year marked the 16th time that the Jets were awarded first-place honors. Their 2022-23 performance program includes “Gitana” by Victor Lopez and “The Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa.

Both bands also took part in the annual Columbus Day parade in Huntington on Oct. 9. The Rams marched and played with precision, while the color guard students spun beautiful pink flags that represented Breast Cancer Awareness for the month of October.

“I am so proud of the work these students have put in since the start of the school year,” said W.T. Clarke High School music teacher and Band Director Molly Tittler-Ingoglia. “We have been discussing taking personal ownership of their performance, and they have really taken this idea to heart. I can see the growth from the start of our season until now and it’s just a pleasure to watch. Leaders have been emerging from within the group that have mentored the freshmen students. The students represented our organization and school with pride and professionalism. They put out a beautiful performance that the parents, alumni and entire community can be proud of.”