The Park Ridge High School Marching Owls Marching Band is the pinnacle of musical entertainment at Doc Lewis Field. The fun pep songs and amusing halftime show builds to the energy of Friday night lights. However, the band has done way more than just spreading music to audiences at football games. This season, the band has not only revived their participation in the competition circuit, but they have also formed a new, modern look for the musicians through fresh uniforms. The marching band has always competed at one or two competitions at most each season. This season, the band is competing at 5. The 2023-2024 halftime show, “Rise Up!”, featuring “Surface Pressure” from Encanto, “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten, and “Rise Up” by Andra Day has pleased the eardrums of football fans since August and paved the way for a successful competition season. Student leaders for the season include Amanda Gorrin (Drum Major/Color Guard Captain), MaryGrace Craffey (Drum Major), Angela Garcia (Woodwind Captain), Galen Liu (Brass Captain), Caroline Sheridan (Drumline Captain), and Anthony Anguili (Trumpet Section Leader).
On September 30th, the band participated in the Ramsey “Colors in Motion” competition, placing 5th out of the other competing
Group II high school bands. As the only Junior/Senior high school at the competition, the Owls impressed the audience with the entertaining, crisp performance from an ensemble with talented 7th and 8th graders. On top of the exciting competitions, the band has finally, after many years of preparation, followed through with new uniforms for the ensemble. The modern feel is shown through the black and white criss-cross design for the band and the clean, all-white attire for the drum majors. The twist on a classic concept of traditional uniforms and the idea of matching the color guard with the band has led to a visually stunning ensemble. The uniforms made their debut at Metlife Stadium’s “Ludwig Musser Classic” band competition. The band’s hard work and perseverance in the rain paid off as they received a score of 73, a new PR for the ensemble against regional high schools.
To top off the wonderful weekend of music and competitions, the band placed first at the Bergen County invitational competition at Bergenfield, receiving a score of 71.6 and claiming caption awards for Best Music, Best Visual, Best Overall Effect, Best Percussion, and Best Color Guard. Student leader, MaryGrace Craffey beamed, “The band has had some tough competitions and the members have really proved themselves through their hard work and perseverance.”
Band Director, Mr. Diomede praised, “This season has been fantastic for the Marching Owls. Despite the awful weather conditions, these resilient students have worked hard through hours of rehearsal and inches of rain to continue to shape and refine our halftime show, “Rise Up!” While football games are a big part of our responsibilities, we have performed at three competitions so far this year. Each competition has shown an increase in musicianship and athleticism. All the band and color guard members should be proud of their hard work and their accomplishments so far. I am excited for our final competition at Northern Highlands High School on 10/14, as well as the North Jersey Band Festival on 10/29, where we will perform for over 1000 people! Congratulations, my padawans! Eyes with pride!” The band will continue to perfect their performances for the remaining football games, and the North Jersey Band Festival.
