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Plan to see champion Marching Patriots

We’re not sure how the Marching Patriots of Pittston Area High School managed to capture the championship at the 2008 Cavalcade of Bands Independence Conference Championships last November with so little fanfare but they did. We believe we must shoulder some of the blame for not making a big deal of this remarkable accomplishment but somehow the band managed to fly under our radar as well.

For all of us guilty of overlooking the Marching Patriots as well as for all who enjoyed their award-winning performances but would appreciate seeing them one last time, the Marching Patriots will perform their 2008 field show “En Fuego” on Wednesday, February, 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the Pittston Area High School Auditorium. We encourage everyone to be there. One reason, of course, is to treat yourself to a wonderful evening of entertainment. Another is to show the Marching Patriots your appreciation.

The event is free and open to the general public.

To gain an appreciation for the championship they won, consider that the Cavalcade circuit consists of approximately 100 bands from Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland.

The Marching Patriots captured the Championship on November 9 at Hershey Park Stadium, in front of what we are told was an extremely enthusiastic audience. It was the Marching Patriots first circuit championship since taking the Atlantic Coast Championship in 1999.

Wednesday evening’s program will feature a video of the Marching Patriots Championship performance from Hershey. Several members of the band will recap the entire competition season. In addition, Mitch Adams, the Executive Director of Cavalcade of Bands, will be attendance to say a few words.

The evening will culminate with a final musical performance of the 2008 field show.

The band is under the direction of Adam Burdett, assisted by Bob Lugiano, MaryAnn Lugiano, Caitlin Schneider, Melissa Meeker, Bobby Wright, AJ DeFrancesco and Megan Biduck.

We can’t think of a better way to spend Wednesday evening.