NORWICH – The New York State Field Band Conference championships were held from 8 a.m. well into the evening Sunday at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. With over 56 bands competing in several classes and divisions, the outcome was predicted to be some very close-scoring victories. Norwich’s Purple Tornado Field Band earned 4th place in its division.

Predictions seemed to hold true after the completion of the show. In small school three Malverne won with 79.00 points beating Roslyn, which earned 77.80 points. In small school two, Northwestern took home the win with 85.95 just ahead of Mohonasen earning 85.25. In large school three Brentwood came in first with 83.75 again just ahead of Walt Whitman earning 83.20. In large school two Copaigue earned first with 88.85 while Baldwinsville was just behind with 87.55. In the National competition, West Genessee won with 96.40 and Norfolk (CT) earned second with 95.75.

Small school division one fielded eight competitors who throughout the 2006 season have been neck-and-neck for the win several times. Going into the championship show, Puprle Tornado Band Director Don Burke envisioned the championship show to be highly competitive. He said Norwich students put in phenomenal work and worked hard to ensure their performance was at its peek.