One Of State’s Largest Marching Band

Competitions, This Weekend in Danbury

DANBURY — One of the largest marching band competitions in the state will take place at Danbury High School on Saturday, October 30, from 5 pm to about 10 pm. The Danbury High School Hatters Marching Band will host 15 bands and color guards, totaling over 1,400 competitors, during its 16th Annual Marching Band Jamboree.

Performing groups from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York will strut their stuff in front of an expected audience of almost 3,000. Local bands attending will include Bethel, Brookfield, Central, Newtown, Jonathan Law, Brien McMahon, Shelton and Trumbull. The Sacred Heart University Marching Band will perform in exhibition at half-time.

All participating bands are members of the Eastern Marching Band Association (EMBA). Certified judges from EMBA will adjudicate the colorful event.

Members must have a combination of musical talent, physical dexterity and coordination. They must be in excellent shape, able to memorize a difficult musical score as well as the complex drill patterns, and forward, backward, sideways and in circles with the skill of a Broadway hoofer on a football field-size stage, all while carrying and playing an instrument. Guard members throw swords, rifles and colorful flags in coordinated moves that complement the music and drill. This is a varsity activity that requires teamwork, self-sacrifice, discipline, talent and dedication.

The music runs the gamut from classical to Beatles to Latin, Broadway, swing, pop and avant garde, all arranged for 30 to 200 musicians. There is something for everyone, played with near-professional perfection, and accompanied by challenging dance and drill routines.

Adult admission is $7, seniors and students are $5, and children under 6 are free. There will be plenty of refreshments available.