The Lakeland marching band and color guard completed their incredible 2024 fall season breaking records and creating dazzling music. With their set “Something Wicked,” the band was able to crack 80 points, something never done before.
An Incredible Start
The beginning of the marching band season started off with a bang. At their first competition against Parsippany High School, the two teams seemed to be evenly matched. The match ended in a 0.100 point difference at 70.300 points to 70.200, one of their closest matches this year. Lakeland was able to come out on top and win. This win was an incredible boost to the band and was an amazing opening to the band season paving the way for great things.
Mid Season Blues
(LRHS)
There was a little lull before more great things came. The middle of the band season saw some disappointment as the band was unfortunately unable to win another first place during this time. However, the Matching band did get more and more points throughout each of their matches, gaining 76.500 in the Ludwig Musser Classic. Climbing closer and closer to their goal of 80 points, the band was becoming more determined to break their record.
During the band’s match at Vernon Valley High School they went for it and had an incredible performance. Unfortunately, the band was so unbelievably close to their goal, but were just barely unable to break the record, scoring 79.900 points. The band would only have one final chance to break their record and they were determined to do it and thus began practicing even harder pushing to turn their dream into reality.
The Big Finale
(LRHS)
The band’s last event was at the New Jersey State Championships. Members were nervous but excited. This would be the band’s final chance to crack their 80 point goal and set a new record. At the championship, the band gave it their all. In the end it wasn’t even close – they had broken their record and then some gaining an impressive 83.300 points for the band. They did not win the championship but were able to get this impressive score and their own sense of victory.
Band member Joaquin Fernandez said, “For the entire season we were just wishing to break 80 points and we went way past that in the end.” The band’s incredible accomplishment is amazing to see.
Their dedication to music and the band has led the Lakeland marching band to achieve an amazing Lakeland record.
Ready for Next Year
The marching band continues to practice more and more as they ready themselves for their next season. Their dedication to their craft is some of the greatest that Lakeland has to offer. This year’s accomplishment is an exciting step forward, and the band is ready to break more records in the future.
