By Jon Armstrong

The 2010 Sherburne Pageant of Bands, beginning today and culminating with the Grand Parade at 1 p.m. Saturday, is marked with a few changes that will make the competition very interesting. Several bands have shifted classes. APW has moved up to AA while Marion and Sidney have moved down to A. Waterville makes the jump up to Class A while West Canada Valley moves down to B. Poland moves up to Class B and Laurens moves up to C. Both Edmeston and Gilberstville – Mount Upton have moved to Class D.

Both pageant newcomers hail from New York State’s north country. A large contingent from Gouverneur will compete in Class AA and Watertown HS will be entered in the concert band event for a rating.

Stockbridge Valley will be returning to the pageant after sitting out last year. They will replace Newfield Central School and Central Square Middle School, who will not be attending this year’s pageant.

Finally, there will be a few bands returning the pageant with new directors. One example is Bloomfield. Long time director, Ernest Lascell retired at the end of the last school year and has been replaced with a new director, Scott Hoffman.

Here is a class by class look at the competition with recent accomplishments by each of the bands.

CLASS AA

APW – The Rebels, from the Oswego county communities of Altmar, Parrish and Williamstown will be making their 27th Sherburne Pageant appearance. From 1976 – 1983 APW scored numerous first place finishes at Sherburne in the parade and color guard events. The band returned to the pageant in 1992 and has been here every year since then. At last year’s Sherburne Pageant they finished first in the cadence event, second in street color guard, fourth in parade and fifth in concert band among Class A schools. The Rebels maintain a very active parade schedule which includes the Boxing Hall of Fame Parade in Canastota as well as parades in Camden and Mexico, NY during July. On July 4th 2010 APW will proudly represent the state of New York in the National Independence Day Parade in Washington, DC. APW will be featured in the jazz, small ensemble, concert band, parade, parade color guard and cadence events.

GOUVERNEUR – Under the direction of Kathy Moses, the Gouverneur Wildcats will make their first Sherburne Pageant appearance. They have a long, proud history of excellence in parade competitions in the St. Lawrence and Thousand Island Regions of New York State. During the summer of 2009 the Wildcats won first place at the Gouverneur Fair, the Jefferson County Fair and parades in Star Lake and Edwards. Other parade appearances and first place finishes in the past few years include the communities of Cape Vincent, Theresa, Lake Placid, Lowville, Morristown and Canton. At this year’s Sherburne Pageant Gouverneur will compete in the jazz, small ensemble, concert band, parade, parade color guard and cadence events.

GREENE – Greene Central School competed in the very first Sherburne Pageant in 1949. Since that time they have frequently attended the pageant. In fact, this year will mark their 44th appearance. In 2009 Greene won fifth place in Class AA for concert band and parade. In 2008 the concert band was third and they placed fourth in the parade and in 2007 they placed second in jazz, fourth in concert band and fourth in the parade. Nearly fifty years ago, in 1961, Greene won the Sherburne Pageant’s Craine Achievement Award, which was comparable to the current Albert Whintey Overall Achievement Award. Greene also took that award home in 1962. The Trojans will feature groups in the jazz, small ensemble, concert band, parade and parade color guard competitions this year.

MEXICO – 1999 marked the first trip to Sherburne by Mexico. Including this year their number of appearances at Sherburne is 9. In that time they have won many awards. At last year’s pageant Mexico won first place in jazz band and small ensemble, second in concert band and cadence, third in junior high jazz band, concert band and parade guard as well as fourth in parade. In 2007 and 2008 Mexico’s concert band placed second at Sherburne. This year they will compete in the jazz band, concert band, small ensemble, parade color guard, parade and cadence events. Mexico will also feature a junior high jazz band and junior high concert band in competition. This past February Mexico’s band traveled to New Orleans to perform and their indoor color guard placed fight in their class at this year’s Mid – York Color Guard Circuit Championships.

NORWICH – Another band that appeared in the first Sherburne Pageant was Norwich. Throughout the pageant’s history they have been a leading contender. In 1957, 59, 60 and 64 Norwich was declared the overall champion of the Sherburne Pageant. In 2008 they won both the Frank L. Miller Outstanding Director Award and the Albert Whitney Overall Achievement Award. From 2002 to 2008 the Purple Tornados won the Best of Class Award in their division. Overall they have accumulated over 200 trophies in history of the pageant, with nearly 60 of those awards being first place finishes. Last year Norwich added first place trophies in parade color guard, cadence and junior high jazz band. Electing to compete in the jazz, concert, cadence, parade color guard, small ensemble and parade events Norwich is hoping to add to their number of trophies. Norwich will also feature junior high school groups in concert band and jazz band. As a charter member of the New York State Field Band Conference Norwich has won countless awards, including several championships.

CLASS A

BLOOMFIELD – In their seven previous trips to Sherburne, Bloomfield’s concert band is undefeated. Their jazz band has won first place six out of seven times and they have been won the Best of Class Award in their division six out of seven times. Additional accomplishments at Sherburne have been two first place finishes in small ensemble and indoor color guard. During the past year the Bombers attended the Batavia Jazz Fest and their jazz band won first place at the 2010 Seneca Falls Pageant of Bands. Their indoor color guard placed third in their class at the North East Color Guard Circuit Championships in Rochester this past April. Look for Bloomfield in the jazz band, small ensemble, parade color guard, concert band, parade and cadence competitions at this year’s pageant.

MARION – This year marks the 23rd straight appearance by the Black Knights from Marion. They will feature groups competing in jazz, parade color guard, small ensemble, concert band, parade, cadence and junior high concert band. Last year, Marion won the Best of Class Award for Class AAA and their junior band won the Junior High School Overall Achievement Award. To accomplish those awards Marion came home with first place finishes in concert band, junior high concert band and parade plus second place awards in cadence and parade color guard. From 1996 to 2006 Marion won 11 straight concert band titles at the Sherburne Pageant. Since the late 1980's they have also competed at the Springville, Seneca Falls and Gorham Pageants where they have won numerous awards. In May of this year Marion performed at Disney World in Florida.

PULASKI – At last year’s pageant Pulaski won first place awards for parade, cadence and parade color guard. They also won second place in concert band as well as a pair of third place trophies for jazz band and small ensemble. This year they will enter the jazz, concert, parade color guard, small ensemble, parade and cadence competitions. This year will make Pulaski’s 20th appearance in the Sherburne Pageant. Their first trip was in 1965, but the band has been here every year since 1992. In 2003, 2006 and 2007 Pulaski won the Best of Class Award in their division. Last year they marched in the 4th of July Parade in Washington, DC and next weekend Pulaski will perform in the Boxing Hall of Fame Parade in Canastota.

SIDNEY – The Warriors have performed at every Sherburne Pageant since 1968 with the exception of 1979 and 1984 and this year marks their 40th appearance here. Each year they have come home from the pageant with many trophies, totaling over 75. Just last year they took first in the small ensemble contest and third place in jazz, concert band and parade. In 2008 they were third in jazz and parade, fourth in parade and second in the cadence competition. Annually, Sidney performs at the Oneida Jazz Fest. At this year’s Sherburne Pageant Sidney will enter groups in the jazz, small ensemble, cadence and parade events.

WATERVILLE – Last year Waterville won the Best of Class Award for Class B. It was the very first time that Waterville’s history at the pageant that they have won that honor. To accomplish that they won first place in jazz, concert band and parade as well as second place in parade color guard and cadence. Well known for their excellent jazz band, Waterville has placed either first or second in that event every year for the past six years. This past winter the jazz band performed at the Oneida Jazz Fest. Their concert band has also been among the top three groups in their class at Sherburne for the past four years. Waterville will enter the following events at this year’s pageant; jazz band, parade color guard, concert band, cadence and parade.

CLASS B

DOLGEVILLE – The Blue Devils will make their 13th straight appearance in the Sherburne Pageant this weekend. Look for them in concert band, parade color guard, cadence and parade events. Of special note, though, are their very first competitive performances in the jazz and small ensemble events. Dolgeville has won many trophies in the parade and concert band events since they first came to Sherburne in 1997. They have also consistently placed in the top three of the cadence event each year. Recently, the Dolgeville Wind Ensemble and Percussion Ensemble performed at a clinic with the Syracuse Symphony. This past year they performed at the Oneida Jazz Fest and the band will march in the upcoming Violet Festival Parade in June.

MARATHON – This will make the fourth year that Marathon’s Olympians will compete at the Sherburne Pageant. Last year Marathon placed second in small ensemble, third in jazz and concert band and fifth in the parade. In 2008 they were third in small ensemble and fifth in the parade. In 2007 Marathon took home third in concert band and fourth in the parade. At the 2009 Gorham Pageant of Bands Marathon placed fourth in concert band as well as fifth in jazz band and parade. In May of this year they attended the Seneca Falls Pageant of Bands and won second place in concert band and parade plus third place in jazz. For this year’s Sherburne Pageant Marathon will compete in jazz, parade color guard, small ensemble, concert band and parade.

MORRISVILLE-EATON – The Warriors from Morrisville-Eaton have attended every Sherburne Pageant since 1968, making this their 43rd appearance. They will be entered in the jazz, high school concert band, junior high concert band, parade color guard, cadence and parade competitions. Last year the Warriors picked up six trophies at the pageant. They won first in cadence, second in small ensemble and parade, third in parade color guard and junior high concert band plus fourth in high school concert band. While Morrisville – Eaton has won many trophies in their long history at the pageant of special note are their six straight first place finishes in the cadence event.

OXFORD – Second only to Norwich in the number of Sherburne Pageant appearances is Oxford. The Blackhawks will make their 58th pageant appearance this weekend, having only missed the 1950, 53 and 54 contests. At this year’s pageant Oxford will enter seven competitions; jazz band, junior high jazz, small ensemble, parade color guard, concert band, junior high concert band, parade and cadence. They have always been a strong contender at the Sherburne Pageant and last year won first in parade color guard and small ensemble, second in jazz, junior high jazz and concert band, third in parade and fifth in junior high concert band. In 2001 Oxford won the Frank L. Miller Award and the Albert Whitney Overall Achievement Award.

POLAND – Another long time competitor at the pageant is Poland. The Tornados have attended nearly every Sherburne Pageant since 1964, making this their 41st trip to Sherburne. They have picked up many awards over the years, including an impressive 8 straight wins in concert band during the 1970's. At last year’s pageant Poland took first in parade color guard and third in the parade. In 2007 and 2008 they were second in the parade and fourth in concert band. This year, looking to add to their long list of awards, they will compete in parade color guard, concert band and the parade.

WEST CANADA VALLEY – This year will be the 7th appearance in the Sherburne Pageant for the Indians of West Canada Valley. They will feature groups competing in jazz, small ensemble, parade color guard, concert band, junior high concert band, parade and cadence. Last year the Indians placed first in junior high concert band and also won second in jazz and small ensemble as well as third in concert band and parade. In 2007 and 2008 they brought home the Best of Class Award in their division. This past April West Canada Valley’s indoor color guard placed second in their class at the Mid-York Color Guard Circuit Championships.

CLASS C

ANDOVER – Allegheny county’s Andover band is making their 19th pageant appearance at this year’s contest. Their first trip was in 1986. Andover is well known throughout the southern tier and western New York regions for their marching band. Annually, they participate in a number of parades, winning many trophies. During the last four years Andover has won first place in the Sherburne Pageant three times and placed second one time. Since 2006 Andover’s concert band has been second two times, fourth once and fifth once. This year Andover will compete in the parade, concert band and parade color guard events at Sherburne.

CHERRY VALLEY-SPRINGFIELD – The Patriots from Cherry Valley-Springfield will be competing in a number of events at Sherburne this year. Those events include jazz, small ensemble, parade color guard, concert band, cadence and parade. Last year they took home third place in concert band and fifth in the parade. In 2008 Cherry Valley-Springfield won second in cadence, third in jazz, fourth in the parade and fifth in concert band. The Patriots are also making their 19th pageant appearance this weekend, like Andover. They have competed at nearly every Sherburne Pageant since 1988.

LAURENS – Moving up from Class D is Laurens, hoping to defend their Frank L. Miller and Albert Whitney Awards. In their forty-three pageant appearances Laurens has won the Albert Whitney Award a record fifteen times, fourteen of those in the last twenty years. Laurens also holds the distinction of placing first in the jazz contest at Sherburne every year since 1992. Their first pageant appearances were way back in 1954 and 1955, but Laurens has attended every pageant since 1969. They will be competing in the following events; parade color guard, jazz, cadence, small ensemble, concert band and parade. This past winter, the indoor color guard from Laurens took fourth at the annual Mid – York Color Guard Circuit Championships.

MCGRAW – The Eagles from McGraw Central School first attended the Sherburne Pageant in 1952 and then again in 1962. However, they have attended most of the pageants since 1981 and even brought home the Albert Whitney Overall Achievement Award in 1985. This year marks their twenty-seventh trip to Sherburne. They will be featured in the small ensemble, parade color guard, cadence, concert band, jazz and parade events. Last year McGraw took first in jazz and fourth in the parade. At the 2008 pageant they were first in parade and cadence, second in parade and fourth in concert band. In 2006 and 2007 they won the Best of Class Award in their division.

MORRIS – This year will be the 55th appearance in the Sherburne Pageant for Morris Central School. Their first appearance in Sherburne was at the 1951 pageant and they have been here every year since 1956. In the past five years at Sherburne the marching band from Morris has been fifth once, fourth three times and took second just last year. Last year also brought a second place finish in the parade color guard competition. In concert band Morris placed first last year the took second the previous year. They will compete in jazz, parade color guard, small ensemble, concert band, parade and cadence at this year’s pageant.

RICHFIELD SPRINGS – The Indians of Richfield Springs have attended every Sherburne Pageant since 1973, although their first time at the pageant was way back in 1951. In their long history at Sherburne they have won many awards in parade, color guard, concert band, field band and other events. 1986 was the year they won the Albert Whitney Outstanding Director Award and in 1994 and 2002 they received the Best of Class Award. In 2008 won first place in small ensemble, second in cadence, third in jazz, fourth in parade and fifth in concert band. At last year’s pageant Richfield Springs took first in cadence and second in small ensemble. This year the Indians plan to compete in jazz, small ensemble, parade color guard, concert band, parade and cadence.

STOCKBRIDGE VALLEY – The 2010 pageant will mark the fifth time Stockbridge Valley has attended the competition at Sherburne. In 2005 they won a silver medal rating in the parade. In 2006 Stockbridge Valley claimed a second place trophy in the cadence contest. In 2007 they were fifth in both the parade and concert band events and in 2008 they were fifth in the parade. While Stockbridge Valley did not attend last year’s pageant, they are ready to win more trophies this year by entering the parade color guard, concert band, cadence and parade competitions.

CLASS D

CHARLOTTE VALLEY – The Wildcats have competed at Sherburne nearly every year since 1995, making this their 15th pageant appearance. This year the band will enter the jazz, parade color guard, concert band, parade and cadence events. In concert band competition over the past fifteen appearances Charlotte Valley has placed fifth four times. In the parade Charlotte Valley has won four fourth place trophies and four fifth place trophies. Aside from the Sherburne Pageant Charlotte Valley maintains a schedule of concerts throughout the school year and participates in several parades in and around their community.

EDMESTON – This year marks the silver anniversary of appearances for Edmeston at the Sherburne Pageant. The first of their 25 appearances was in 1960. In their early years of competition Edmeston won many trophies for their indoor color guard. During the late 80's and 1990's Edmeston picked up many trophies for their concert band and parade performances. At last year’s pageant they placed second in the cadence event, third in jazz and fourth in parade. This year Edmeston will feature groups in the jazz, parade color guard, concert band, small ensemble and parade events in hopes of adding to their trophy collection.

GILBERTSVILLE-MT. UPTON – G-MU has attended every Sherburne Pageant since 1991 and ths year marks their 20th appearance. For the past two years the Raiders have won the Best of Class Award in their division. They also won the Best of Class Award in 2000. At last year’s pageant they won trophies in five different events. They were first in small ensemble, second in cadence, jazz and concert band plus third in parade color guard. In 2008 they brought home first place in concert band, second in jazz and third in the parade. At this year’s pageant G-MU will feature groups in the jazz, parade color guard, small ensemble, concert band, cadence and parade competitions.

MILFORD – For their 12th pageant appearance Milford will feature groups in the jazz, small ensemble, parade color guard, high school concert band, junior high concert band, parade and cadence competitions. In 2009 Milford won trophies at the Sherburne Pageant, which was a record for their program. They took first in small ensemble, second in junior high concert band, third in jazz and cadence and fourth in high school concert band and parade. Milford first competed in the 1961, 62 and 65 pageants. They later returned from 1971-1975 and have returned to the pageant every year since 2006.

OPPENHEIM-EPHRATAH – This will be the 22nd consecutive Sherburne Pageant appearance for the O-E Hawks. Since their first trip to Sherburne in 1989 they have been consistent winners in parade, jazz and concert band, winning over 50 trophies. For the past two years O-E has placed second in the jazz competition at Sherburne. Last year they also won second in concert band and parade color guard as well as a third place trophy in the parade. This year they will compete in jazz, small ensemble, parade color guard, concert band, cadence and parade. Aside from the Sherburne Pageant O-E is well known for their parade band. This past March they won first place in the Syracuse St. Patrick’s Parade. Locally, they have performed at parades in Saratoga Springs, Dolgeville, Johnstown, Gloversville and the New York State Fair. O-E has also performed in Orlando, St. Louis and Washington, DC. In 2010 their music program was honored by NAMM as one of the top 174 Best Communities For Music.

WORCESTER – The Wolverines will compete in seven events at this year’s pageant. They will appear in the jazz, small ensemble, parade color guard, concert band, junior high concert band, parade and cadence events. Last year Worcester took first place in the small ensemble and cadence contests at Sherburne. They also won second in the parade, third in parade color guard and concert band and placed fourth in junior high concert band. In 2008 Worcester won first place in the parade and cadence events as well as second in small ensemble and third in jazz and concert band. 1994 was the first time Worcester attended the Sherburne Pageant, and this will be their 17th consecutive appearance.

RATING DIVISION

WATERTOWN – Making their first trip to Sherburne is the Watertown High School Band. Their award winning wind ensemble will be performing in the rating division. In 2006 the Watertown High School Wind Ensemble scored 96 points to take first place at Lyme Central School’s Golden Crescent of Bands. Annually, many members from the high school’s instrumental department attend NYSSMA events and several have qualified for Area All State. Most recently the wind ensemble performed with the Syracuse University Brass Ensemble.

HOST BAND

SHERBURNE-EARLVILLE – The Marauders have a long, proud history of accomplishments when it comes to their band program. These honors included the Grand Championship Award at the North Syracuse Lion’s Festival Pageant in 1969 and 1971, the Batavia Pageant of Bands in 1975, Mohawk Pageant on Parade in 1985 and Mid-York Circuit Championship titles in 1972, 1985 and 2006. They competed in the New York State Field Band Conference from 1972-1982 with several first place finishes to their credit. The marching band has performed all across New York State as well as in Maine, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington, DC. This year their active schedule will take them to local parades in Norwich, Edmeston, Afton and Canastota’s Boxing Hall of Fame Parade. They will also perform in the Syracuse American Legion Convention Parade in July plus the Football Hall of Fame Parade in Canton, Ohio.