BY PATRICIA KELLER
WEST MILFORD — Most would agree 2015 was truly an outstanding season for the West Milford High School Highlander Band ensemble. The band's show was entitled "Arabesque," and was entirely designed by the band staff members. The Highlander Band delivered championship performances at the Yamaha Cup Competition at MetLife Stadium - one of the highest profile competitions on the East Coast, as well as at Randolph, West Orange, and Mount Olive Marching Band competitions. The highlight came at the US Bands New Jersey State Championship.
“The challenge was all the greater for West Milford as they were required to perform first in their group of 10 bands," said Dr. Brian McLaughlin, band director. "Going first meant that the band had to set the bar high. They were ready. The band had put in the time in very focused rehearsals, and when their time came, they put on the best show of the year."
For the first time in school history, the West Milford High School Highlander Marching Band won the US Bands NJ State Championship, also winning the award for outstanding visual performance.
McLaughlin described the experience. “The crowd response to their performance was enthusiastic and positive, with the audience on its feet several times during the show. Particularly satisfying was the response from audience members who were there to support other bands.”
It is unmistakable when watching the Highlander Bands perform, and evident in the historical and most recent successes of the Highlander Marching Band, that McLaughlin and his staff of talented assistant directors and instructors are able to inspire their band students to be enthusiastic, hard working and committed to further developing their skills; seeking to fulfill their own emergent passions for achieving musical excellence.
McLaughlin was one of 69 band directors selected this past summer for membership to the American School Band Directors' Association, a national organization composed of professionally trained, experienced directors and teachers of school bands whose purpose is to advance and improve music education of those students engaged in the study of band instruments.
Band directors are selected for membership on the basis of their teaching experience, the success of their music programs and the recommendation of members of the organization. The association consists of 1,000 band directors from throughout the United States, with their major objective being to establish and maintain quality instrumental programs in schools nationwide.
Grand Champions, Randolph “Under the Stars” Competition 2015
2015 Division Awards: Best Music, Best Percussion, Best Color Guard;
2015 Overall Awards: Best Percussion, Best Music, Best Band
First Place, Group 5A, Yamaha Cup 2015
Best Percussion, Best Visual Effect, Best Overall Effect 2015
USBands, Group 5A Champions, Best Visual, New Jersey State Championships, New Brunswick, NJ 2015
Second Place in Division, Best in Show for Percussion, Roxbury Marching Band Competition 2015
Third Place, Roxbury Marching Band Competition
First Place, West Orange Marching Band Competition, 2015;
Mayor’s Award for Best Overall Band 2015
First Place, Mount Olive Marching Band Competition 2015,;
Best Music, Best Visual, Best Color Guard 2015
Despite their tremendous success, the Highlanders remain humble and hard-working. Band staff and parents report receiving complements regarding the Highlander’s display of good sportsmanship and excellent behavior from judges and competition Hosts, as well as from staff and parents of competing bands at competitions. The West Milford High School Highlander Marching Band and the entire West Milford Community can truly be proud of these students, and hold up their “Eyes with Pride.”