West Deptford’s robotic/futuristic show entitled, The New World (Photo/Mazza)
On Saturday October 15, West Deptford High School Marching Band hosted its 43rd “Music in Cadence” competition. The “Music in Cadence” is also known as a “home show” for those who are hosting. This is West Deptford’s “home show” because West Deptford is hosting a competition in which other high school marching bands can sign up and participate. Bands compete in their group, which is based on the size of the band (how many musicians are marching). There are also different classes (A and Open). For instance, West Deptford is in Group II, Open Class. West Deptford will compete against other bands that are in Group II, Open Class bands. The “Music in Cadence” was a Tournament of Bands (TOB) competition. TOB is like a league. Bands do not only compete against other bands in their state, but those outside of the state that are in the league as well. For instance, West Deptford not only competes against bands that are at the show, but also against all in Group II, Open Class bands that are in the TOB league. Its not like regular sports where two teams play against each other and one of them wins. In marching band, its one verses all.
On Saturday, West Deptford hosted 22 bands! This does not include West Deptford, so there was actually a total of 23 bands that performed. This is one of the biggest home shows ever. When I marched for West Deptford during my high school years, we would always host 20 or more bands each year. The competition started at three in the afternoon and ended around ten at night. It was a long day, but it was totally worth it! It was awesome watching all of the hard work and dedication each member of each band put forth during the summer and school year to work on their show. They have spent months to perfect their show and it’s always awesome to see how the band improves each week as they practice and compete. If you ever get a chance to go to a marching band competition or a Drum Corps International (DCI) show (the professional marching league of marching band), I suggest that you try to get in between the 40 to 40. Sitting at the 50 is the ultimate goal, because it is right in the middle of everything. Also, try to get a seat that is higher so that you can watch the drill (where each band member march from one dot to the next). In addition, try to get a program so you can get an understanding of each band’s show. Each band picks a show or a theme and then pick music, drill, body movements, props, etc. that fit with the theme. In the program, you can get a short description of the show and list of songs that each band plays.
Going to the home show brought back some very good memories when I marched for West Deptford. Winning four chapters (states) and two Atlantic Coast Championships (ACC’s) my junior and senior years. When we won ACC’s for the first time, it was the first time ever in our school’s history. It was also the 50th anniversary of our school, so it was a little more special.
While going to the home show, there were some really good shows to watch. I personally enjoyed Oakcrest High School. Their show is entitled, Ascension. Dante’s Divine Comedy inspired their show and it takes “you on a journey climbing out of the depths of the Inferno, rising up through the struggle between vice and virtue in Purgatorio, and soaring to the desire of righteousness in Paradiso.” I really enjoyed their show because they brought a lot of energy and it was really good overall. Out of all of the bands that performed that day, they brought the most energy on the field.
Oakcrest performing their show entitled, Ascension (Photo/Mazza)
Oakcrest performing their show entitled, Ascension (Photo/Mazza)
I also enjoyed Timber Creek Regional High School’s show. Their show is entitled, Enigma. Their show is based on a murder mystery in which “the main characters are introduced throughout the opening of the show and continue their antics throughout the movements. The Sleuths are constantly on the hunt for more clues as to “Who Done It?’” This show was very enjoyable to watch because it was like a Victorian-style version of Clue. I absolutely loved that each member had the Victorian copper-style goggles. I also liked the Victorian-style uniforms that the guard wore.
Timber Creek performing their show entitled, Enigma (Photo/Mazza)
The Victorian-style goggles that each member of the band wore for Timber Creek’s show (Photo/Mazza)
Last, but not least, I really enjoyed West Deptford High School’s show. I might be biased because it is my alma mater, but they are literally tearing it up! Their show is entitled, The New World and the music is from Gustav Holst and Antonin Dvořák. Their robotic show is based about the future. The six time Atlantic Coast Champions and eight time TOB Region I Champions are one of the most professional high school marching band! They do not miss any detail and every detail is very important to them. They are creating their own dynasty and its fun watching them. For me, it’s such an honor to start the dynasty and then watch them continue the success years after I graduated from high school. I’m very proud and honored to wear that uniform and when I was at the home show, I was willing to go back and do it again. You can follow the West Deptford High School Marching band’s Facebook page or website for more information and upcoming performances. If you want to find out the scores of each band that performed at West Deptford’s home show, follow this link and click on what group and class you want to see the scores.
West Deptford’s robotic/futuristic show entitled, The New World (Photo/Mazza)
West Deptford’s robotic/futuristic show entitled, The New World (Photo/Mazza)
A Bird's Eye View of West Deptford 