By: Gabriel Franco
The Pride of Port Chester traveled to Metlife stadium for the USBands Ludwig Musser classic on October 7th. Port Chester had their best performance of the season competing against seven other bands from New York and New Jersey. The band placed 6th with a score of 79.5, leaving only a 6 point difference between them and the first place winners, New Hartford High School.
Due to poor weather conditions, the band was forced to practice inside of the King Street Elementary School’s gymnasium. The band continued to power through rehearsal in the cramped environment, despite the hindrance. This minor setback did not diminish the spirits of the members, as they continued to refine their visuals and point their horn angle towards the skies.
Metlife is a highlight of the season for all members of the band. For new members, it is their first time performing at the NFL stadium, an unforgettable experience. Freshman Dylan Villa states, “It was so awesome to step onto the field. The feeling of stepping out of the tunnel to reveal the huge stadium is just such an experience.” Walking through that tunnel truly is an unforgettable experience even after your fourth time.
The band did a quick warm up in the parking lot before marching over to the entrance gate. Band director Mr. Miceli gave his signature “Who are we?” chant, riling the band and getting everyone ready to put on a great show. The band performed at 6:13 pm, returning to their buses to change before heading off to the awards ceremony. While they waited for the ceremony to begin, members were able to enjoy the great luxuries MetLife has to offer, specifically the mosh pit created by local hype man Shawn Cheriyan.
Though the band did not place the highest, Spirits were high and members continued to enjoy the night, simply relishing in the ¨Metlife environment.¨ Senior Trevor Sullivan states, ¨it would be nice to have my last Metlife end on a win, but it’s still just fun to relax with everyone and munch on my chicken tenders.¨
The band is refusing to let this loss affect the rest of their season, and instead utilizing it as a learning experience for the future. The band is only three competitions away from Nationals, Marking the near end to the band season and the band is striding towards the future with determination.