Allegany band excels in Scranton competition

Allegany band excels in Scranton competition To the Editor: I recently had the privilege of attending the Atlantic Coast Championships for marching band, in Scranton, Pa. I went as a fan that had followed the Allegany High School Band all season long, and rediscovered why they are one of the best band programs in the country. The Allegany Band has a long and unmistakable tradition of excellence, however, under the direction of Larry T. Jackson the band has climbed to new horizons. Mr. Jackson has brought a style of performance that is more artistic, creative and challenging than any other on the field. He has assembled a staff that is the best in the business, and together they have a vision that is unparalleled and unmatched. I have watched the band grow all season, and develop a show that is in a class by itself. I watched in awe as the students from Allegany put their hearts and souls into their show in Scranton. I watched as the intricate forms took shape, as the high level of marching technique was displayed, as the guard added brilliantly effective splashes of color, and as the band cranked out sound and style all the way through the end. When the band had completed their performance, I was convinced that this year they had won the Atlantic Coast Championship for Group 3. Allegany finished 5th in their group, to the disappointment of our fans, and to the surprise of the fans of other competing bands. There were a lot of upset parents and supporters in the stands, but those same people were the proudest people in the stadium. We know where the band truly finished. There were tears that flowed from students and supporters alike, but there was an aura of pride that was apparent in every student putting their uniforms and instruments away for the last time of the season. The band students at Allegany High School are a treasure, and deserving of all of the respect that Allegany County can give them. There are a lot of negative things said about the band program in this county, but if you only knew what these students put into their performances and the level of excellence that they have achieved, you would understand why they are truly the Pride of Western Maryland. Chad W. Fornwalt Cumberland