Thomas d’Esperies, Editor-in-Chief
November 7, 2023
The Port Chester High School Marching Band placed 5th out of 10 bands for the USBands Group 5A national championship at Allentown, PA. The Pride of Port Chester scored a respectable 87.8, earning second place in individual music. Port Chester scored eight points below the National Champions, Fort Lee High School. The November 4th championship ended the band’s fall season, signaling the beginning of a much needed rest period for band members. For seniors, Allentown ended their competitive marching careers, at least in high school. The seniors could be seen hugging each other and crying after the performance. Band President Jordan Orellana Tenecela said that the performance was “a fitting end to our [the seniors] careers.”
The long trip to Allentown, PA is one that many band members actually look forward to. Senior Drum Major Kathleen Scarola said the fact the band got to ride in coach buses is the main attraction: “The normal buses we use for every other competition are uncomfortable and annoying, especially if you have to share a seat with someone.” Compared to that, Senior Alto Saxophone player Orhan Eski loved the extra legroom that came with the coach buses. The band distributed into three of these buses, with all the seniors together and the other grades distributed across all three buses.
The band staff and parents all said the performance was hands down Port Chester’s best all season. The score they received showed this, proving to be their highest of the season. While many members may be disappointed with the placement, they should be extremely proud of their performance. It’s not always about winning and losing, it’s about improvement which the Pride of Port Chester certainly achieved.