For the first time in history, the Greece Blue Knights Marching Band has won the state championship! They placed first in the Large School 3 Division at the New York State Field Band Conference Championships in Syracuse on October 29, bringing the Governor’s Cup home to Greece.
Composed of 95 students from all Greece Central middle and high schools, the Blue Knights have existed for 17 years, and have placed second in their division the last three years. Band Director Brian King felt this year’s band was poised to win the championship.
Their visually stunning theme took audience members on a journey through the four seasons. The performance resonated with judges, earning the Blue Knights a score of 86.925. Smiles and tears of joy dotted the faces of Greece band members as the scores were read. The community came out in force to welcome the Blue Knights home, congratulating them on the historic win.
“There are state champions in every single Greece secondary school today,” King said. Marching band is unique, he explained, in that every member takes the field. There is no bench – no starters or stars. They win or lose as a team. Over the years, King said, students, families, staff, and volunteers have cultivated relationships that lead to this moment. The title is shared equally by everyone who had a hand in getting the Blue Knights to the championship.
Although the competition season is over, King said his team is already talking about plans for next year. They are hoping for back-to-back state titles, and keeping the Governor’s Cup here in Greece.
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