Write a commentMarching bands from all across New York state gathered to compete this Saturday, Sept. 20, for the 36th Annual "Pageant of Champions."
Hosted by the Oswego High School Marching Buccaneers, the New York State Field Band Conference Competition drew a large, excited audience to the stands of the Joseph R. Wilber Athletic Field. 
From Central Square to East Irondequoit, each marching band bought its own unique costume and themes to its performance. Groups like the New Hartford Marching Band gave positive vibes while exploring the strengths and values of America with music from American composers and picture displays of great country landscapes. On the other hand, the Syracuse Minoa Spartan Marching Band explored a much darker side in their routine, titling it, "The Heart of Madness." Based off Edgar Allen Poe's poems such as "The Tell Tale Heart," some group members were dressed in black and purple and ghostly makeup.
Among the crowd of visiting schools, Oswego Buccaneer fans stood out in support of the Marching Buccaneers, cheering in the stands and buying Buccaneer gear at tables around the field. Annie Marie O'Gorman, band parent coordinator of the Oswego High School Band Parents Association said members of the Parents Association worked really hard to prepare and plan the Pageant of Champions and continuously devote their time to volunteering and helping the band.
"This [Pageant of Champions] is our biggest fundraiser out of the whole year,” O’Gorman said. “But as a member of the Band Parents Association, not only do we make it about the marching band but we also raise money to fund scholarships, and have guest artists come in."
While bands practiced on another side of the field, all visiting nine bands played trumpets, tubas and clarinets with pride, hoping to win for their fellow team members. The Marching Buccaneers ended the show with its own exhibition performance for its many fans. Followed by the exhibition, awards and presentations were given by past Assistant Director Michael Dunsmoor. Among the awards given was The Edward S. Lisk "Medal of Distinction" which is presented annually to a graduating senior band member.
The winners of the competition were: The Jordan-Elbridge Marching Eagles for the Small School 2 Class with a score of 68.15, the Central Square Redhawk Regiment Marching Band for the Large School 2 Class with a score of 70.8, the New Hartford Marching Band for the Small School One Class with a score of 79.1, and the West Genesee High School Wildcat Band for the National Class with a score of 85.7.
Recently, the Oswego High School Marching Buccaneers placed third in its first competition in New Hartford. Along with its many other New York State Field Band Conference Competitions, the talented band will be attending the U.S. Marine Corps Invitational on Oct. 18, at the Navy Stadium in Annapolis, Md., with its Oswego Buccaneers fans cheering them on.
