West Essex Scores High, Wins First Place in Group 2 Open

The West Essex Marching Knights once again put on an outstanding performance, this time at the Hanover Park Tournament of Bands Competition on Saturday October 12.  The Knights scored 89.2, winning first place in their division (Group 2 Open), and achieving the second highest overall score in the Competition.

Marching Knights under the lights at Hanover Park Competition

The late field time (9:00pm) did not deter the group, as the energy and momentum of last week’s performance at MetLife Stadium for the US Bands Yamaha Cup Championships, and a terrific show at Friday Night Football, carried them forward. Congratulations to the students, Mr. Fabrizio and the entire staff!  Click here then scroll down for some photos.

It’s only one week until the Tournament of Bands Chapter X Championships hosted by West Essex – the final Competition of the season.  We can’t wait!  Best of Luck Knights!

The Annual Tradition of Friday Night Football and Pizza Dinner for Middle & High School Band Continues!

Almost 100 Middle School musicians joined the Marching Knights for a Pizza Dinner sponsored by the West Essex Band Boosters and Friday Night Football on Friday October 11.  The Middle Schoolers played alongside the upperclassman and got plenty of play time as the Football Knights readily beat Nutley.  Click here then scroll down for some more pictures of this exciting annual West Essex Band tradition.

Mr. Fabrizio and Mr. Fitzke look on as current and future Marching Knights play from the stands

Former Marching Knights Rally to Support the TOB Chapter Championships

More than 20 West Essex Marching Knights alumni, led by 1988 graduate and former Drum Major John Kosko, donated funds for the upcoming Tournament of Bands Chapter X Championships to be held at West Essex on October 20.

Left to Right: WEBB Secretary Joanne Marino, President Anthony Fermo, VP Cathy Stampone, Class of 1988 Alumnus John Kosko, Mr. Fabrizio, Mrs. Swanick

The monies donated will fund the entire trophy and awards table for the event.  Mr. Kosko spearheaded the campaign via social media after learning about the West Essex Band Boosters’ efforts to organize and fund the Competition.

Contributions came in from as far away as Minnesota and Arizona, he noted to Mr. Fabrizio, Mrs. Swanick and the WEBB membership during their meeting on Monday October 7.

WEBB expresses its sincere appreciation to Mr. Kosko and all the alumni who donated!   Click here for more information about the Competition. We hope to see you there!

Marching Knights Score 81.3, Bring Home First Place and Caption Awards!

The West Essex Marching Knights topped the field of Group 1 and 2 ensembles at the 2019 USBands Yamaha Cup Northeast Championships, taking first place and all caption awards with a class-leading score of 81.3.

Drum Major Nicholas Stampone salutes, as West Essex takes the field in competition

Cold early morning temperatures were no match for the excitement of performing on such an iconic field. The Knights’ performance at MetLife Stadium was an impressive display of music, drill and visuals, resulting in one of their best shows yet.

A special thanks to the pit crew and all the parents who attended to support the Marching Knights!  Click here then scroll down for more photos.

Knights Bring Home First Place and Best Music

Congratulations to the Marching Knights, Mr. Fabrizio and the staff for their first place win, Group A, at the 2019 Roxbury Marching Band Classic (an Independent circuit) on Saturday October 28. The Knights scored 73.1, 5.2 points higher than the next closest ensemble.  “Tales From the East, The Music of Scheherazade”, continues to please, as the Knights also brought home the Best Music caption award for their group. Click here then scroll down for more pictures.

Best Music Award, Group A, presented to West Essex by students of the Lincoln Roosevelt School, Roxbury

A special thank you to all the parents who are helped out with Pit Crew!  This year’s show includes many props and visuals, requiring several hands to set up and take down within the allotted time. Great teamwork!

Knights Place Second in Division (TOB Group 2 Open)

The Marching Knights gave a strong performance, receiving a score of 78.0 at the Northern Highlands High School TOB Competition in Allendale.  The show – the first with full props and visuals on the field – was an impressive sight, as the backdrops and front scrims visually filled out the Band’s performance of “Tales from the East – The Music of Scheherazade”.

Marching Knights brass section at Northern Highlands

Click here then scroll down for some photos of the show.  A special shout-out to the Pit Crew for a great job moving equipment and props!  Next up…Roxbury!

Get Your Band Gear for Fall – Great New Styles!

Show your West Essex Band Pride! Visit the Online Store and discover great new items and styles for Fall.  The Store will only be taking orders from September 19 to October 4, so don’t delay!  All orders will be shipped to the school, and a pick up date/time will be announced.

The Holidays are coming soon…Band Gear makes a great gift idea for your family and friends! Click here to access the store.

Marching Knights Begin Their Competitive Season in Fine Form!

The Marching Knights delivered a first place show on Saturday night at Northern Valley Regional, Old Tappan, receiving first in their division and earning the second highest overall score of the competition – 73.250. They also received awards for Best Music, Visuals, Overall Effect, Percussion and Color Guard in US Bands Group 2 Open. The Knights’ performance of “Tales From the East, the Music of Scheherazade” was a crowd-pleaser, with plenty of West Essex Band Parents filling the stands in support of the kids!

The Marching Knights take the field in competition at Northern Valley Regional, Old Tappan

The performance followed the annual Kick-Off Breakfast, sponsored by the West Essex Band Boosters.  Over 100 students, staff and family members enjoyed a terrific breakfast, great weather and camaraderie. Thank you to all who helped make the breakfast a big success! Visit our Photos page for some pictures of the event.

Band Trailer in Top Condition for Marching Season!

Thank you to the fantastic crew that came out Saturday morning, September 9, to wash and wax the Band Trailer. A good wash, compound and wax brought out a brilliant shine, resulting in a fitting equipment hauler for our equally brilliant Marching Knights! Click here for a couple more pics.

The Wash & Wax Crew: Brian Rombough, Pat Freda, Joe Polizzi, Frank Matarazzo, Michelle Rombough, Steve Salvanto, Anthony Fermo, Ray Stampone and Andrew Marino. Not pictured: Charles Bronder

Marching Band Students and Families are Invited to Attend our Annual Kick-Off Breakfast!

All Marching Band Students & Families are invited to attend our annual Marching Season Kick-Off Breakfast on Saturday September 14 at 9:00am. This year’s event will be held at the Fairfield Recreation Building at 221 Hollywood Avenue in Fairfield.

As always, the breakfast is supported through generous donations from our Marching Band families.  Click the icon below to access the Sign Up Genius to support this event!  Donations of checks and Shop Rite and Costco gift cards may be dropped off to Joanne Marino, Cathy Stampone or Cathy Salvanto after rehearsals on Monday September 9 or Wednesday September 11 at the Band Room door (or at Monday’s WEBB Meeting).

Checks should be made out to “West Essex Regional School District”, with “Marching Band” written in the memo.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to meet other Band families and celebrate the start of the Competition Season, as the Marching Knights compete at Northern Valley later in the day.  See you there!