BOA Newark Preview
It’s no secret that the general atmosphere on the East Coast of the US is a bit different from that of the Midwest - this, as many cultural distinctions do, carries over into the marching band world. Think “everything’s bigger in Texas”, and then picture a Texas band. Likewise, as the East Coast/Mid-Atlantic differs from the Heartland in slang and mannerisms, so do they tend to participate in different competitive circuits. This weekend, we travel deep into the heart of USBands territory at BOA Mid-Atlantic, hosted at the freshly-renovated Delaware Stadium at the University of Delaware in Newark. With almost 30 bands in attendance, this regional boasts one of the highest enrollment counts of the season and features groups from ten different states across the eastern US.
Many of the groups in attendance may be unfamiliar to those who solely follow Bands of America events - in this part of the country, USBands reigns supreme as the circuit of choice, as well as several state and local circuits. The BOA Mid-Atlantic Regional combines high-scoring ensembles from last year’s USBands Open Class National Championships, such as Trumbull (CT) and Edison (NJ), with several BOA regional finalists, including Fort Mill (SC) and Mill Creek (GA), as well as regional champion and Grand National finalist Kiski Area (PA). The following is the day’s full schedule (all times ET):
7:45 - Susquehannock H.S., PA**
8:00 - South County H.S., VA
8:15 - Cab Calloway School of the Arts H.S., DE
8:30 - Bridgewater-Raritan H.S., NJ
8:45 - Dominion H.S., VA
9:00 - Cumberland Valley H.S., PA
BREAK
9:45 - Thomas Jefferson H.S., VA**
10:00 - West Genesee H.S., NY
10:15 - Mechanicsburg Area H.S., PA
10:30 - Westfield H.S., NJ**
10:45 - Mt. Lebanon H.S., PA
11:00 - Rock Ridge H.S., VA
11:15 - Hempfield H.S., PA
11:30 - Freedom H.S., VA*
BREAK
12:15 - Lightridge H.S., VA*
12:30 - Mill Creek H.S., GA
12:45 - Urbana H.S., MD*
1:00 - John Champe H.S., VA**
1:15 - Spring-Ford H.S., PA**
1:30 - Trumbull H.S., CT**
1:45 - Edison H.S., NJ*
BREAK
2:15 - Boyertown Area H.S., PA
2:30 - Unionville H.S., PA
2:45 - James Madison H.S., VA**
3:00 - Fort Mill H.S., SC
3:15 - Baldwinsville H.S., NY
3:30 - Independence H.S., VA
3:45 - Green Hope H.S., NC
4:00 - Kiski Area H.S., PA**
4:15 - EXH: University of Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens Marching Band
* Denotes returning group
** Denotes returning finalist
As with the previous season, there are no bands in attendance that compete in Class A. Class AA, however, comprises over a third of the competition and is the class of the first band on the field: Susquehannock (PA) takes the field at 7:45 AM ET, shooting for a return to finals. The morning block follows with other returning finalists, Thomas Jefferson (VA) and Westfield (NJ). Gunning for a shot at a medal in Class AA will be newcomer Cab Calloway (DE), performing in the morning block and the only Delaware band at this Delaware event. Freedom (VA) closes the second of the two morning blocks, returning from last season and aiming for a medal in Class AAA. Finally, Mechanicsburg (PA), returning for the first time since 2017, will seek as many GE points as possible by bringing a highly skilled and nationally competitive color guard program (seriously, look up their winter guard).
The afternoon performances begin with Lightridge (VA), also a returning group, followed by a familiar ensemble to attendees at any recent BOA Powder Springs Regional: Mill Creek (GA). A consistent regional finalist in a land saturated with gigantic bands, Mill Creek aims to take the crown as the top AAAA group, challenged by last year’s bronze medalist Spring-Ford (PA). Back-to-back in the third block of the day will be Trumbull (CT) and Edison (NJ), who both enjoyed highly awarded performances in the 2021 USBands Open Class National Championships. After narrowly missing out on the AAA bronze medal last season, John Champe (PA) has also returned, hoping to secure a class medal and maintain their previous finalist placement. In the final block, Fort Mill (SC) will be seeking a spot on the podium. Sharing a home city with the beloved and highly awarded drum corps Carolina Crown, Fort Mill is a past regional champion and consistent finalist. They’ll have to stack up against other consistent finalists at BOA regionals, including fellow Carolinian Green Hope (NC) and former Grand National finalists and defending champion Kiski Area (PA). James Madison (VA), who took third in prelims last season, will also be making a return.
The Bands of America Mid-Atlantic Regional will be streaming on October 8th, 2022, on BOX5-TV. Will Kiski Area claim yet another regional championship, or will Fort Mill dethrone one of the most successful programs in the circuit? We’ll certainly be tuning in. With three different BOA regionals on Saturday, it will no doubt be a fantastic weekend of band across the nation.
Hattie Bartlett is an experienced marching arts content creator making her writing debut with GEM. As a former member of the color guard, she has traveled across the country covering events with WGI and Box5, as well as informally commentating via HornRank. Hattie is currently on staff at the University of Missouri as a field photographer and communications intern. She can be found on Twitter, Instagram, and Tiktok as @ilikeguard.
James Madison was 4th, not 3rd last year.