Whiz Kids: The Champion MHS Marching Band

Melrose Patch Whiz Kids of the Week

• The MHS Marching Band
• School:  
• Accomplishment: Won First Place at the NESBA Championship with the highest score ever received in Melrose Band history.

Submitted by Margaret Nuytkens:

The Marching Band, under the direction of Michael Buckley, won at Lawrence Veterans’ Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 6. 

Standing on the field, nervously awaiting the announcement of the judges’ scores, Drum Major Lucy Naslas and Color Guard Captain Francesca Whittier burst into ear-to-ear grins upon hearing those much longed-for words, “…and in first place, receiving a gold medal, with a score of 93.3 – that’s 93-point-3 – Melrose High School!” 

As the enormous 4-foot tall gold trophy was carried out to them, the Melrose Band members, families, and fans in the stands erupted into thunderous applause and cheers. It was the first time in 14 years that the Melrose Band has taken first place, and it was the highest score ever received in Melrose Band history. The Color Guard continued its six-year winning streak, taking first place in the judging as well. Melrose competed in Division 3 (bands consisting of 51 to 70 total members) against Everett, North Middlesex Regional, Lowell, and Milford high schools.

Performing music of Michael Buble, including favorites "It Had Better Be Tonight," "Fever," and the theme from Spider-man, it is a fun and entertaining show with complicated marching sets. Flawless solo performances by senior trumpet player Anna Tramontozzi and a trio of senior mellophone players, Marlies Nasella, Susannah Winder and Susi Franco, contributed to the high score and winning exhibition.

“I am really proud of these kids,” said Band Director Mike Buckley.  “They worked harder than ever this year in an unusually demanding season.”

The band has overcome significant obstacles this year. Since the football field was under construction for virtually the entire season, they were relegated to the high school parking lot for their August week-long camp as well as their twice-weekly practices during September and October.

Wednesday night practices were unusually challenging in the unlighted high school parking lot. Bob Rotondi of D&R Paving came to the rescue by generously donating the use of a construction-area light tower, and a dedicated band- parent, Joe Pelrine, transported and set up the tower every Wednesday night. 

“Practicing in a pitch dark parking lot was a new and frustrating experience to say the least, and we would never have done as well without the lighting.  We are all grateful to Mr. Rotondi,” said Assistant Band Director Rich Rigolini and Drill Instructor Rob Viola.

The band is also grateful to the Athletic Department for providing bus travel to the home football games in Woburn and Reading.

“Without the on-field performance experience in front of an audience to work out our kinks, the six competitions we competed in would have been extremely nerve-racking and difficult for us," Buckley said. "Besides, what’s a high school football game without the band to help celebrate all those touchdowns Melrose got? It has been a winning season all the way around.”

The band’s final performance of the season took place during half time at the Thanksgiving Football Game at the beautiful new Fred Green Memorial Field.  The Melrose High School Band is looking forward to hosting a NESBA competition next October at these new facilities.

Nominate a Melrose Kid!

Each week, Melrose Patch will seek suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid.  Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to danield@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

• Nominator's Name
• Nominator's E-Mail
• Whiz Kid's Name
• Whiz Kid's Age
• Whiz Kid's School
• Whiz Kid's Accomplishment
• An explanation of the accomplishment (approximately 150-300 words).
• A photo, if available.