Marching Eagles take Governor’s Cup at NYS championships

For the second consecutive year, the Jordan-Elbridge Marching Eagles took home the Governor’s Cup at the NYS Field Band Conference Championships held at the Carrier Dome on Oct. 27.

The Marching Eagles finished as the highest scoring band in the state in the Small School 3 class. At the competition, the Marching Eagles came in second in their class, but the first place team hailed from New Jersey. A total of 53 bands competed.

“I think the kids stepped it up this year. They enjoyed the show itself and really wanted to bring it to life,” said band director Randall Bennett.

“The kids were excited about it and celebrating.”

The Marching Eagles’ show, called “Band 22,” depicted the musical story of the band that was on the USS Arizona that was sunk at Pearl Harbor. Musical selections included the “America Forever March” by Jim Colonna, “The Tears of the Arizona” by Brian Balmages,” “The Star Spangled Banner” and more.

The band’s last performance of the year comes on Nov. 9 at the CNY Veterans Parade & Expo at the NYS fairgrounds.