By KAREN MARSHALL
WAKEFIELD — After a rain out in Melrose, the Wakefield Warrior Marching Band earned the top spot at their first judged competition of the season. Last weekend’s event in North Andover was hosted by the New England Scholastic Band Association (NESBA). The Warriors were up against three other schools in their division and won first place with a score of 81.88 beating out second place Oliver Ames of Easton who earned a score of 79.57.
This season’s performance titled “Mad Scientist” features a mix of classical and contemporary music with songs that capture the spirit of the season and the show like “Danse Macabre” by Camille Saint Saëns. Color guard captain Kevin Lewis plays the title character and depicts his menacing intentions through movement and dance all between flag, saber and rifle tosses totalling seven rotations at times. Featured opposite Lewis is Junior Danielle McCauley his fearful victim.
The drama heightens as the mad scientist enchants his lab assistant into drinking a seemingly deadly mixture as a foreboding rendition of the song “Toxic” by Britney Spears starts with solo performances by section leaders Owen Kelley and Kathryn Sliski.
The Director of Visual and Performing Arts Thomas Bankert says the competition level has increased greatly this year in their division, “That is what makes this so fun. Every year is a different group of students with different strengths and weaknesses. What we do to highlight those strengths and improve those weaknesses as an entire coaching staff makes for a successful season.”
The marching band will next compete in Westford, MA this Saturday before hosting two consecutive competitions at Landrigan Field on Saturday, October 19 and 26. Tickets for those events can be purchased the day of at the gate.