JACKSON – The Jackson Memorial High School Jaguar Marching Band has placed another honor in the school’s trophy case – the USBands Group VI-A national championship banner
On Nov. 4 in Allentown, Pa., the Jaguars outperformed other talented bands in their group to win the national title and the captions of Best Music and Best Overall Effect. With that comes the national championship banner and the prized national championship trophy, all 10-feet, 4-inches of it, according to a press release.
The national championship came on the heels of a state championship the band earned the week before.
Assistant Band Director Eric Ficarra said, “Winning these titles these past two weekends is not only a reflection of the work the instructional staff, students and band parents organization have put in, but also a reflection of the incredible support we receive for our programs from the Jackson community.
“We could not do what we do without the network of support we have in all those who contribute to our success. It is truly an honor to be a part of this legacy and it is just simply euphoric to take home the national championship with who we now know to be the best band around,” Ficarra said.
As the Jaguars arrived home from Allentown and exited the New Jersey Turnpike, they were met by the New Jersey State Police for an escort along Interstate 195 and as they arrived in town they were passed off to vehicles from the Jackson Police Department, numerous firehouses and EMT services, according to the press release.
The winning effort started in January when the students in the percussion section began their preparations for a show that would not premiere until late August.
As winter turned to spring, other sections started to familiarize themselves with the music and drill that would eventually lead to one of the most decorated seasons the Jaguars have ever had, according to the press release.
Reflecting on the victories and their place in the band’s history, senior Drum Major Vance Balce said, “It was unreal. Seeing the giant smiles and tears on my friends’ faces when we received that trophy was something I will never forget.
“I let the moment unfold for itself and embraced it. I felt whole. Everything we endured, everything we fought for, every note we played and every step we took, I could feel all of it being finally paid off with everyone’s cheers resonating throughout the stadium. We had made history in our books and I could not have been any prouder of this journey that we finished together, as a family.”
The band’s program, “On a Cold Winter’s Night,” was based on classical Christmas and winter-themed compositions and the difficulty and beauty of the music was a determining factor in the band’s two championships as the students won Best Music captions at both competitions, according to the press release.
The visual aspect of the band’s program was equally important.
Band Director Jason Diaz said, “After putting all the compositions together, there were two visions that kept popping in our head; the first was images of bare tree branches blowing in the wind and the second was the color scheme of the Disney animated fllm “Frozen.” With all these basic elements, ‘On a Cold Winter’s Night’ was born and developed into an award winning program.”
Diaz summed up the achievement, saying, “It was extremely gratifying to observe the entire Jaguar band family embrace the nationals trophy and banner while capturing photos for their own memory albums. We truly create a family atmosphere and what an honor it was to celebrate these victories with our brothers and sisters.”
Senior Color Guard captain Kailyn Turner expressed her feelings by saying, “I am so thankful I got to be a part of this band. The last four years left me with amazing memories and winning the national championship was just the icing on the cake.”
On Oct. 28, the 183 members of the Jaguar band traveled to High Point Solutions Stadium on the campus of Rutgers University, Piscataway, and won the USBands Group VI-A New Jersey state championship, according to a press release.
In addition to winning the state title, the Jaguars also won Best Music, Best Overall Effect and Best Percussion.
The students’ day began at 7:30 a.m. as they started their warmups, sectionals and eventually their full ensemble rehearsal prior to boarding their buses at 11 a.m. for the trip to Rutgers, according to the press release.
Once at the stadium, the students suited up, grabbed their instruments and continued their preparations for their performance. Seeded No. 1 going into the championship, the Jaguars were the last band to perform and stepped onto the field at 2:41 p.m. They seized the moment and put their best foot forward, according to the press release.
While competing in a group that included five talented marching bands from around the state, there was a lot of anxiousness as the bands’ scores and positions were revealed before the public address announcer said, “Your 2017 Group VI-A New Jersey state champions, Jackson Memorial High School.”
Reflecting on the victory, Drum Major Matt Ebersole said, “It was a surreal moment. When they announced us as the state champs and gave us the banner and the trophy, the biggest smile came across my face and I couldn’t contain myself. Winning on that stage with this group of people is something I will never forget.”
Ficarra said, “It is a long, strenuous process, but there is no more joyous feeling in the world than getting recognition for hard work, and I am thrilled that our students can now share in that sensation. I am incredibly proud of this design team and inspired by our students for what we were all able to produce this season.”
Diaz expressed his satisfaction with the day’s accomplishments, saying, “What an honor it is to represent the band community, Jackson Memorial High School and the township of Jackson. The students, band staff and parent organization have put together a memorable performance that will last a lifetime.”
