The 20th annual Scotch Plains-Fanwood Marching band home show was held on Saturday, Sept. 22. The chilly fall weather set the perfect tone for a night of performances and music, along with a wide variety of snacks and hot foods. Friends and family of the band members filled the stands to watch the competition between bands from all over the tri-state area.

This year the SPFHS show is called, “On Point,” with songs such as “Point of No Return” incorporated into the show. As the hosting school, the SPF band didn’t compete at the home show, but still did an outstanding job presenting their performance at the close off the night. The band is directed by Durand Thomas, and lead by drum majors Brent Mankin, Josh Venick and Audrey Smith, who is returning for her second year.
 
In addition to the showcase and competition aspect of the show, the event was also a fundraiser for the SPFHS Music Boosters. The money that was made will go to the music department, so they can continue to run smoothly and produce successful shows with beautiful music. Attendees were given the opportunity to support the department by purchasing food, airgrams and candygrams for their favorite members of the bands and families of SPF band members could also sponsor a trophy.
 
Bands like Monsignor Farrell came from as far as Staten Island, with their show “The Life and Death of Romeo and Juliet,” which told the classic Shakespearean tale with music and acting through body language from the colorguard.
 
Other standout shows included the Edison High School band with their show, “Mother Nature,” which is not only comprised of well-performed music, but also reminded the audience how important it is to take care of our earth before it’s too late.
 
South Brunswick won the competition in the VI open division with a show that made the audience feel like they were part of a circus, with props, dancing and even band members singing.
 
Overall, the night was comprised of incredible performances from the SPFHS marching band and others. The marching band is once again expecting a phenomenal competition season and a fun year together ahead.