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2006 Jamboree
All's well that ends well. The 2006 Marching Band Jamboree began and ended with smiling faces. Some elements of suspense in between made the ending even sweeter.
When the crowd of volunteers arrived at DHS on Saturday afternoon, September 9th, the 2006 Jamboree looked bulletproof. Barbara and Terry Duffy had preparations well under control. The parking arrangements for the concurrent private party at DHS seemed to be working. The marching band had finally rehearsed under the sun. All good omens.
No one anticipated the closure of I-84, following a jackknifed tractor-trailer – probably on its way to some other festival scheduled on this busy weekend - carrying soda, which spilled and required cleanup. For hours. Due to the traffic snag, the judges showed up a half-hour late, and East Lyme didn't show at all. The starting delay was compounded by a cloudburst just before Brookfield HS, the first band to take the field, was about to take their very first step. The rain passed quickly, but gave heavy consideration to canceling intermission and/or staging the last few bands in the DHS gym. Last, and probably least, some of the private party guests who were denied parking – as their hosts had been informed prior to the event – made life interesting for the parking crew.
Fortunately, the storm passed, the bands all performed outdoors, and the fans had an intermission, so they could eat without missing any performances. The work of scores of volunteers paid off in a surprisingly smooth event, particularly considering the challenges.
As usual, the performances were all worth watching. Even this early in the season, when bands are still growing into their routines, they were all entertaining and impressive. Anyone who caught East Ramapo getting down with "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," while caught on the warmup field during the downpour, can appreciate the spirit that drives the teens. Anyone watching our own DHS troops performing their complex new routine so well this soon, had to appreciate the work ethic they've shown and the leadership of Nick Albano and his crew.
The crowd was delighted. The crew was elated. Our band was ready for dry clothes. A good evening, with even better ones to come. As Mr. Albano pointed out, the journey has just begun.
Special
Thanks
Extra special thanks to the
following people are in order for making our Jamboree a
success.
First, to Barbara and Terry
Duffy for co-chairing the event.
To Mike Clark who was
invaluable at helping us through so many intricate details and
plan changes thru the day.
To Chip Salvestrini who
set the stage for great support from the Athletic department.
To John Leary who helped
us till the late evening hours negotiating changes, lending
the golf cart, getting custodial care, and much more.
To Pete Weaver, our
personal weather man who had our backs on weather and safety.
And of course, to the many
parents, students, friends and relatives who gave countless
hours of time.
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Norwalk
Competition
It was freezing! Coldest
and longest competition so far this season. Danbury
improved the score by 3 points and placed fourth a mere tenth
of a point behind Stamford and Westhill who were tied for
second. Danbury was awarded Best Music!!! Check out the
complete scores from the
Norwalk show.
Hope everyone can be in
Bridgeport for championships next Saturday to cheer the band
on. It's sure to be an exciting competition.
Jonathan
Law Competition
Another beautiful night. Danbury
improved the score by 6 points to win first place over
Stamford. Also was awared Best General Effect and Best
Music! Way to go!!! Great job. Check out the
complete scores from the
Jonathan Law show.
Bethel Competition
Chilly fall weather. Great
bands! Danbury was the sole Class III band this week and
ended up in first place again! Great to see more of the
new guard performing! Great job. Check out the
complete scores from the
Bethel show.
Newtown
Competition
Beautiful fall weather. Great
bands! The competition between Bethel and Danbury is
heating up. Danbury edged out Bethel by a half point
this week. Great changes to the drumline! Check out the
complete scores from the
Newtown show.
Trumbull
Competition
Warmer weather with a few
sprinkles, new competitors, different judging panel. For
the first time this season, we faced Stamford, West Hill, and
East Lyme. Tired from competition the night before, but
pumped up to face the new competition, Danbury had a very
respectable second place finish. Check out the
complete scores from the
Trumbull show.
Due to condemned visitor
stands, the band left after the first half awards were
announced.
New
Milford Competition
It was COLD! The
spectators were bundled in layers of show shirts, sweatshirts,
winter jackets and blankets. Lots of hot chocolate was
consumed. It was a real treat to watch our marching band
in action with the full show!
This week, Danbury edged out
the only other Class III competitor, Bethel, by a mere
tenth of a point. It's turning into a real close
competition as these 2 bands seem to be very closely matched
in early season competition. Check out the
complete scores from the
New Milford show.
Brien
McMahon Competition
In the first non-exhibition
competition of the 2006 season, Danbury captured the
Outstanding Music, Outstanding General Effects and Outstanding
Percussion caption awards in Class 3.
Second to Bethel by a mere
tenth of a point, the next competition at New Milford on
September 29th should be a great show. Check out the
complete scores from the Brien McMahon
show.
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