West Milford Highlander Band tattoo dazzles community

BY PATRICIA KELLER
WEST MILFORD — The award-winning West Milford High School Highlander Marching Band dazzled the community once again with the “Sights and Sounds of Excellence” the band is well known for, as they honored first responders and veterans at their 16th annual Military Concert and Tattoo last Saturday.

The event, held at the West Milford High School gym, is the largest fundraiser held by the band each year to support the marching band program.

The event opened with a special tribute to honor first responders. The names of each of the honorees as well as information about their years of service to the community were announced, as each honoree was escorted into the gym individually by a Highlander Band drum major, senior, or a family member who is a member of the band. Once all honorees were escorted to their seats, Senior Drum Major Jonathan Romeo followed formal Highlander Tattoo tradition, requesting permission from the honorees to begin the Tattoo.

The Highlander Pipes and Drums delighted spectators as they opened the concert. Audience members of all ages were thrilled and entertained by the extraordinary display of musical talent by the Highlanders and the guest pipe and drum bands and marching bands that performed, including: The Pipes and Drums of the Atlantic Watch, Clan Na Vale, Cladddagh Pipe Band (accompanied by Irish Dancers), Colonial Musketeers Fifes and Drums, and the Clifton High School Mustang Band, all during the first half of the concert.

Following a brief intermission, the Highlander Pit Percussion Band kicked off the second half of the concert with a skillful and exciting performance on marimbas (instrument similar to the xylophone), drums and guitars. Highlander Marching Band drum majors Megan Hogan, Becca Kronyak and Jonathan Romeo then marched to the center of the gym to present two of the first place trophies the band earned this year, and display their state championship banner to the community. The crowd gave a standing ovation.

The Highlander Marching Band took their turn center stage to perform for the crowd an indoor-friendly version of their award-winning field show, “Arabesque,” as they celebrated the conclusion of their most triumphant competition season in the band’s history.

The Clifton and West Milford High School Marching Bands then combined to perform jointly as they paid homage to branches of the military. Veterans were asked to stand and be recognized for their service as each branch’s flag was paraded to the front of the gym and the theme song was played by the bands.

The crowd was delighted with the Massed Band Finale, as all bands that performed returned to the floor. West Milford Highlander pipe major Sarah Schoenfeld led all of the bands in a performance of “Amazing Grace.” And of course, a Highlander Band Concert would not be complete without the Highlander’s theme song, “Scotland the Brave.”

For more photos from the tattoo and for short bios on each of the honorees, go to westmilfordmessenger.com.