The East Haven High School Yellow Jacket Marching band has a long history of excellence.
The theme of the band's field show is, "Music for the End of the World .... Just in Case." The band competed in several competitions this year in the IIA class. While winning several titles and many captions, their most notable win so far was at the Cheshire High School Competition on October 13. During the Cheshire Competition, the Yellow Jackets won their division over five other bands, improving their own score by ten points and winning the division five points over the second place band.
Matt Laudano, band director and former band member, is in his second season directing the marching band. When asked what he attributes the recent achievements to, he answered, " Our success is a directly connected to the amount of time we spend rehearsing. The commitment the kids make to the band is amazing, often spending more time at school and band than they do at home. It is a thrill to watch the band perform and as their director the pride I feel is indescribable. The hard work of the students, staff and parents are what makes us more than a band, we are a family!"
The band is led by drum major, Evan Schneer and assistant drum major, Jenn Montesanto. Both seniors are in their fourth year as band members. "It's been a challenge. I am enjoying the challenges and it's been an awesome experience to lead the band and help promote team work" Evan said after band practice Tuesday. Jenn added, "It's been very hard work this year but extremely rewarding. I am proud to lead such a great group of students." Morgan Chappuis and Emily Orkins are captains of the color guard. "This year as color guard captain has been both rewarding and challenging. The color guard is a great group of ladies and have improved so much since the beginning of the year," Chappuis said.
The band will compete in Southington the last weekend in October before appearing in the New England States Competition on November 3 and National Competition on November 10, 2012. Last year the band took first place at States and third at Nationals.
The East Haven High School Yellow Jacket Marching Band will host The Haunted Isle on Halloween at the Shore Line Trolley Museum. The Haunted Isle's live cast of grisly marching band misfits will entertain you from 7 - 10 PM on Halloween evening. Ticket prices are $10.00 for regular admission or $20.00 for the express ticket. Proceeds benefit the East Haven Yellow Jacket Marching Band. Come out if you dare to The Haunted Isle on the 31st for a night to remember. Shore Line Trolley Museum, 17 River Street in East Haven, Connecticut.
