2021 NJMEA Marching Band Ratings Festival The 20th annual N.J.M.E.A. State Marching Band Ratings Festival was held on October 23rd, 2021, at Wayne Hills High School. Originally scheduled for October 16th, the show had to be postponed due to severe weather and the inability to move inside due to COVID concerns. Moving a show is never an easy task, but the evening was a tremendous success due mainly to the spirit and performances of the bands in attendance. “The cooperation of the directors, students and parents was fantastic, and the shows that were presented demonstrated an incredible variety of performance styles. The enthusiasm and energy of the bands provided a great atmosphere, and it was inspiring to see the bands all supporting one another,” said festival coordinator Matt Paterno. Performing bands included: Garfield, Passaic County Technical Institute, Belleville, Midland Park, Neptune, Whippany Park, Bergenfield, and Wayne Hills. Each band received quality feedback from our team of “Evaluators” and a rating of Bronze, Silver or Gold. Bands also received awards for the most outstanding musical contribution and most outstanding visual contribution to their show. A special thank you to our knowledgeable and enthusiastic evaluation team: Cliff Bialkin, Edie Duncan, Ray Troxel, Josh Jenkins, Teddi Sotiropoulos, and Dan Traglia. The weather was fantastic for late October, and we all were thankful that so many groups could adjust their schedules to attend. Mark your calendars for next year’s festival on Saturday, October 15, 2022. Sign-ups begin on March 1st, 2022. Please email Matt Paterno at mpaterno@wayneschools if you are interested in performing. Traditionally there has been a waiting list by June so please sign in early! Also - stay tuned for a second site in South Jersey!!!
TEMPO 18
JANUARY 2022
