RHS hosted marching bands from all over northern New Jersey for the annual Under the Stars (UTS) competition, held at Bauer Field from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30.
Instead of the typical Friday Night Lights football game, the competition featured high school marching bands from Bergen, Essex, Middlesex, Morris and Passaic counties, allowing for a diverse group of talented musicians to perform their exceptional shows. The bands ranged in size from under 20 members to over 100, with only one Grand Champion to be determined among the pack.
The evening began with the Marching Rams’ rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner. After that, each band gave a festival performance, dazzling spectators with their striking formations and well-prepared music. As the night went on, the bleachers filled with supportive families and attentive listeners.
In addition to bands showcasing their productions, UTS maintained its traditions from prior years, to the delight of band members. Senior Percussion Section Leader Aidan Patel easily named a personal highlight: “Definitely hosting, meeting, and watching other bands,” he said. “It is probably the most fun thing about Under the Stars.”
This event was the culmination of all the hard work the Marching Rams had put in as a group since the beginning of the season, starting their prep well before school began in early August. “I loved getting to spend my final Under the Stars with my amazing band members,” senior Clarinet Section Leader Jenny Bloom said. “It was so special to spend the whole day together.”
Following the final band’s ensemble performance, Randolph gave an exhibition performance for all bands in attendance. The Rams’ show, titled “Through the Ages,” explored four major periods of human history; the Ice Age, the Dark Age, the Age of Enlightenment and the Modern Age. It was a high-energy performance followed by thunderous applause from the crowd that carried over the field and bleachers. “I would say the whole day was a success,” junior Drum Major Riley Brown said.
Following the final beat of the Rams’ show, the award ceremony started, and The Roxbury Marching Gaels began their season strong with a full sweep of the awards. The Gaels not only won their division, but also caption awards for Best Effects, Best Music and Best Visual.
The Marching Rams have three more competitions this season, including the State Championships, to be held at TCNJ at the end of October. “I am looking forward to seeing how our show progresses throughout the rest of the season,” Bloom said. “We have come a very long way since band camp, and I am excited to see how far we can go.”
The Marching Rams will continue their competitive season at Wayne Valley High School on Saturday, Oct. 21.
