The Hilton Central School District began its marching band program in 1963. For six decades, the district has had a thriving marching band made up of dedicated students and staff from the community.
High school marching bands began to take off after World War I, when the public school systems expanded, hiring teachers who were military veterans with band experience. They began to influence school culture by creating marching band programs. The first marching band competition was held in Chicago, Illinois, in 1923.
High school marching bands are typically a group of instrumentalists – woodwinds and percussion instruments. They combine movement with musical performance and marching in coordinated uniforms and perform in parades, football games, pep rallies, festivals, and competitions. High school marching bands began to compete in state competitions in 1959, and by the early 70s, 40 states were participating. Since then, high school marching bands have become an integral part of high school culture and the community.
The Hilton Crimson Cadets Marching band supports sports programs at halftime shows and pep rallies and represents the school at local festivals. They also compete in regional, national, and international competitions.
Shelly Bruni is the Assistant Director of the Crimson Cadets and teaches the Color Guard. She is a Hilton marching band alumna and began helping the marching band shortly after she graduated in 1992. “There have been many extremely talented band directors and staff over the years that paved the way for so many phenomenal students in the community to enjoy, enhance and perfect their skills and musicianship. Marching band is a true sport,” said Shelly.
The marching band is like a second family to the kids and staff involved. “Kids have it rough out there, and by being in this program, they get a great support system. They make friends and create bonds. These kids are amazing,” exclaimed Shelly.
No musical instrument experience is required to be part of the marching band program. Practices are held twice per week, and there are game nights a few times a month and fun bonding activities. The marching band performs at events and competitions near and far. “We went to Japan and performed, and we are going to Washington, D.C., in 2024 to compete and do some fun sightseeing,” added Shelly.
The cost to be in the band is nominal, and the school will help those in need. Beginning in sixth grade, students can join the marching band, and fifth graders are encouraged to come check it out. The band has marching, instruments, drums, the pit, a color guard using flags, and dance weapons like sabers and rifles.
Not only do the students learn marching band skills, but they also learn valuable life lessons. “We teach and reinforce to the students to have respect for their peers and adults, to show kindness and support to others, and the importance of good work ethic. These are attributes they will bring into adulthood. It never leaves your life,” said Shelly.
Shelly Bruni and the leadership of the Hilton Crimson Cadets marching band want the community to remember they exist. “The kids deserve to have the community behind them and realize they are just as important as our sports teams,” Shelly said.
The fall season is winding down now, and the spring season will begin in April. Practice is both indoors and outdoors.
Any Hilton students with interest are invited to stop by during practice, held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hilton High School. For more information, students can inquire with their teacher.
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