NORWICH – The Norwich Purple Tornado Field Band wrapped up their fall season at the state championships at Syracuse Carrier Dome on Sunday.
Norwich’s final performance of their competitive field show, “Gypsy Tapestries - Weavers of Life,” earned them a score of 81.50 and an eighth place finish, just a tenth of a point behind seventh place East Irondequoit. Medina placed first in the division, after receiving a score of 89.70 for their competitive field show performance.
While the score places them at the bottom of their division, Band Director Lansing Dimon said he was still pleased with the student’s performance of the intricately-choreographed show.
“The staff, parents and myself are extremely proud of the work that our students achieved, and their growth from the first show to now has been extraordinary,” Dimon said. Sunday’s score is a 14.4 point improvement over the 67.10 they earned at their first competition of the season, held at Oswego on Sept. 26.
“The students themselves are proud of the work they accomplished and the show that they performed on Sunday was the best of the season,” he added. This is particularly notable, in his opinion, as the competition marked the first experience at the Dome for approximately 40 percent of the band.
“While it hurts to be 8th out of 8, especially for our Seniors who have put so much time and energy into their tenure here, they understand and hope that the younger students, especially the new members will be part of a stronger and more mature group for next year,” the band director explained.
Although this year’s competition season has wound to an end, the marching band will continue to entertain area crowds with appearances at various parades and events.
“We are looking forward to the Veterans Day parade, the Holiday parade after Thanksgiving and a possible trip to Boston in April, and then on to Sherburne,” Dimon said.