On Sunday, October 30, the 31 members of the Bedford High School Marching Band and Color Guard competed at the New England Scholastic Band Association’s (NESBA) 2016 Championship Finals at Medford High School. The band competed in Division I, which is any band with 40 or fewer playing members.
Out of six competitors, the band placed third with a total score of 90.5, the highest score achieved under the direction of band director Jim Felker. “I always stress to the kids that the emphasis should be on giving the best performance you are capable of at that time and not on trophies or awards,” Felker said, “but it’s very gratifying to be acknowledged for a successful, high-energy effort .”
More of Richard Krusemark’s images from the NESBA competition – Click each to see it at full size
The band rehearses only after school hours from 6 to 9 pm in the high school band room and on town fields when they are available. There is no class time allotted for marching band, so all of the work must be done in these night rehearsals and on the students’ own time individually. Mr. Felker is very proud of the group in the wake of their success. “It’s a testament to the hard work of the students and the teaching staff when you see results like this when there is such limited time to work with.”
The band’s final performance of their show, “Sounds of Africa,” will be at the annual Thanksgiving Football Game, which will be held at Sabourin Field behind Bedford High School on Thanksgiving morning. In the meantime, students will be focused on upcoming concerts and seeking new members through recruiting efforts.
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