NORWICH – The New Hartford Marching Spartans, for a second consecutive week, edged out the Norwich Purple Tornado Marching Band by a score of 84.50 to 80.70 at the 37th Annual Fall Festival of Bands on the Tornado’s home field Saturday. Other participants included Small School Division III winner Johnson City (75.30), Vestal (70.10) and Westmoreland (69.80). Sole Large School Division II participant Horseheads finished with a score of 86.15.

“I thought that the band did a great job in some very cold conditions, and showed major progress on the sections we have been focusing on,” said Purple Tornado Assistant Director Chris Calhoun. “They are continuing to track well ahead of last year in their overall achievement and ability to perform with confidence. I’m very proud of their focus and hard work.”

The band will next travel to Central Square in preparation for its championship performance at the Syracuse Carrier Dome Oct. 31.