Honors and Awards

Here are some of our awards and honors over the years

Marching Band

1 Time Gold Medal National Champion (2024)

1 Time Silver Medal National Champion (2023)

2 Time Bronze Medal National Champion (2014, 2022)

1 Time Silver Medal Winner at Ludwig Musser Classic (2024)

1 Time Bronze Medal Winner at Ludwig Musser Classic (2023)

3 Time State Percussion Champions (2017,2018,2019)

3 Time Silver Medal State Champions (2013,2014,2019)

2 Time Bronze Medal State Champions (2017,2018)

Cadet Spirit of Excellence Award Winners (2019)

SuperBowl XLVIII Halftime Performers for Bruno Mars (2014)

Curricular Bands

NJSMA Region 1 Concert Band Ratings

2023 - Bronze - Outstanding Soloist (Julia P. for the trumpet solo in American Elegy)

2022 - Silver - Outstanding Soloist (Emily B for the piccolo solo in Esprit de Corps)

2021 - Silver - Best Woodwinds, Outstanding Soloist (Evan P for the trombone solo in Metroplex)

2016, 2014, 2013 - Gold

2017, 2015, 2012, 2011 - Silver

Artists/Professional Collaborations

Commissioned new works: Vicious Cycles by Grace Baugher Dunlap (2024)

Professional soloists accompanied: Jarrod Briley, Tubist, Hartford Symphony Orchestra and West Connecticut University

Composer visits: Grace Baugher Dunlap, Chris Bernotas, Peter Sciaino

Workshop Clinicians: Dr. Jason Noble (Columbia University), Dr. Teresa Purcell-Giles and Dr. Payton MacDonald (William Paterson University), Dr. Matthew Westgate and Lindsay Bronnenkant (UMass), Dr. Thomas McCauley (Montclair University), Matthew Paterno (Hanover Wind Symphony), Dr. Joseph Higgins (Rowan University)

Colorguard

MAIN Midseason class promotion - 2024

Best Guard - Ludwig Musser Classic - 2024

Silver Medalist National Champions - 2024, 2023

Silver Medalists State Champions - 2024

Indoor Percussion

USBands Scholastic Regional A Percussion Gold Medal Champions: 2024, 2022, 2021, 2019

USBands Scholastic Regional A Percussion Silver Medal Champions: 2023

Pit Orchestra

Freddy Award Wins: , 42nd Street (2017), No No Nanette (2016)

Freddy Nominations: Amelie (2024), Pippin (2023), Sister Act (2022)

Student Achievements

2024

NJAB Symphonic Band - Jordana B.,

NJAB Wind Ensemble - Izzy D.

NJSMA Region Concert Band - Izzy D.

TCNJ Honors Band - Derek S., Jordana B., Gibson G., Amanda R.

Accepted - Abby A. - Vocal Performance - Westminster Choir College at Rider University

2023

NJAB Symphonic Band - Izzy D., Jordana B., Kristen S., Alexandra B.

NJAB Wind Ensemble - Julia P.

NJSMA Region Band and Orchestra - Julia P.

NJSMA Region 1 Intermediate Band - Jordana B.

Region 1 Concert Band Festival Outstanding Soloist - Julia P.

Caldwell Honors Band - Ethan F., Derek S, Michael B.

TCNJ Honors Band - Laura T., Natalie C., Jason S., Seamus V., Izzy D.

Accepted - Jason S. - Music Education - William Paterson University

Alumni Musical Achievements

Joanna Scarangello (class of 2000): Lycoming College grad, Montclair University MA, current choir director at Mount Olive Middle School

Peter Crimi (class of 2006): Post-production audio mixer for various shows on MAX

Dan Bassett (class of 2007): Montclair State University, current music teacher at Teaneck elementary

Jon Rosario (class of 2010): Composer, content creator and streamer

Zach Russack (class of 2010): University of New Haven grad, Professional guitarist and band leader

Michelle Littwin (class of 2013): TCNJ grad, current music teacher at Hackettstown Elementary Schools

Jeffrey Klein (class of 2013): Montclair University Graduate, current band director at Irvington School District

Sarah O’Halloren (class of 2013): Private piano teacher

Sarah Segada (class of 2013): Montclair University grad, Music therapist at Pyramid Healthcare and Therapeutic Arts Group

Andrew Van Dongen (class of 2013): Rowan University grad, Professional Singer, Math/Computers/Instrumental Lesson Teacher

Marielle Parmelee (class of 2014): Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps Alumni, Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps Alumni

Ben Avila (class of 2015): Professional guitarist

David Thomas (class of 2015): Professional guitarist, Band member of Open Wound

Tom Santos (class of 2015): SUNY Purchase grad, Studio composition, Professional Guitarist and Singer

Lauren Cruzan (class of 2016): Messiah University, current music teacher at Lehigh Christian Academy

Maddie Baker (class of 2017): Moravian University grad, current music teacher at Reddington Elementary in Ct.

Kevin Schaarschmidt (class of 2017): Hawthorne Caballeros Drum Major, Montclair University Graduate, current band director at Pompton Lakes High School

Matthew Bippart (class of 2017): Lebanon Valley Grad, Singer/Songwriter, Stage sound and light technician

Dan Vincello (class of 2017): Montclair University grad, Music teacher

Angelo Oliver (class of 2018): William Paterson University, Hawthorne Caballeros Drum and Bugle Corps performer

Kayla Ramkelawan (class of 2018): William Paterson University, Flute private lesson instructor

Kayleigh Morpeth (class of 2019): William Paterson University Scholarship Winner, current band director at Warren Hills Middle School

Hailey Riccardo (class of 2020): TCNJ graduate, current band director at Netcong

Mila Ballela (class of 2020): William Paterson University grad, Music Business

Andrew Stroessenreuther (class of 2021): Band leader

Ben Jamer (class of 2021): County College of Morris, Music Technology

Mikey Donica (class of 2022): Composer, Carnegie Mellon University

Regina Ciampoli (class of 2022): TCNJ student

Bella Cetani (class of 2022): Musical theater, Disney cruise line performer

Elorm Afor-Agbanu (class of 2022): Producer, Rapper, Singer, Content creator and streamer

Emily Bielski (class of 2023): TCNJ Scholarship Winner, TCNJ Concerto Competition Runner Up

Nic Bowes (class of 2023): Montclair University, Guitarist/Drummer of a band, Filmmaker

Avery Testerman (class of 2023): Rutgers University student, Music Education

Andrew Wagner (class of 2023): Ramapo College student, Music Production

Jason Sarnoski (class of 2024): William Paterson University Scholarship winner, Music Education