The Norwich High School Band, under the leadership of new band director Gretchen Shyne, took first place in nearly every category at Sherburne’s 59th annual Pageant of Bands this weekend.

The Tornado bands took place in four of six Class AAA competitions in Sherburne – jazz ensemble, symphonic band, drum line and marching band. Norwich also won the best in class trophy, the Frank L. Miller best director trophy for Shyne, and for the first time in 45 years, the Albert Whitney Overall Achievement award, the pageant’s highest honor.

Norwich also took second place in a new category at the event, small ensemble.

The Tornado band was welcomed home Saturday night with an impromptu parade led by the Norwich Fire Department.

Complete pageant results will appear in Monday’s Evening Sun.