The Jamestown High School marching band returned to district Friday with their New York State Field Band Competition trophy in hand. Accompanied by a police escort, the bus transporting the state champions pulled into the Jefferson Middle School parking lot to a welcoming crowd. Principal Mike McElrath, center, praised the efforts of the marching band. P-J Photo By Jordan W. Patterson

With a police escort and a packed crowd anxiously waiting, the Jamestown High School Red Raider Marching band returned as state champions: a mark they set out to hit months before.

“This has been an extremely special year and extremely emotional weekend and I could not prouder of these kids right here,” said Meghan Murray, band director.

The marching band defeated nine other bands competing in the New York State Field Band Competition. The Jamestown students outperformed their season totals with their season-best score of 89.900. The next two schools, Horseheads and Huntington, tied for second with a score of 85.750.

In the Jefferson Middle School parking lot, Murray praised the show of support from those gathered in the crowd that included staff, administration, family members and students. Murray said the outpouring of support from the community was unique when compared to other competing schools and called the marching band “lucky” to have it.

“I just want to be the first to welcome everybody back and congratulate our New York State Champions,” said Mike McElrath, high school principal, shortly after the band’s triumphant arrival. “I also want to say how proud I am to be a Red Raider today. I know how hard these kids have worked throughout the year. I saw them in the summer out behind the school, in the Fall Festival of Bands and I was at (Sunday’s) performance. It was outstanding and amazing.”

The marching band began their journey many weeks in advance and gave its first public performance during the free community preview. Then, drum majors Carley Westphal, a senior, and Dylan Lydell, a junior, praised the support from the community. The preview night was originally exclusive to family members, but later incorporated the entire community as a way to honor their support.

The band, made up of students in grades 8-12, joined the ranks of JHS state champions from 1991, 2002, 2014 and 2015. The 2018 champions gave Jamestown its third title in five years.

The band’s championship-caliber theme for the year was titled “Canon” based on composer Johann Pachelbel’s work known as “Pachelbel’s Canon.” In reference to music, a canon is a technique implemented involving a melody that is then followed by various imitations of the first melody.

“On behalf of the Jamestown Board of Education and the entire Jamestown School Family, we are very proud of you. You are truly champions,” said Bret Apthorpe, superintendent of Jamestown Public Schools.

Vince DeJoy, representative for Mayor Sam Teresi, was also in attendance and gave additional congratulations to the student champions. DeJoy said the mayor and city council will give an official proclamation at the next city council meeting on Nov. 26.

DeJoy also told the marching band new signs will be installed at all the gateways of the city that will read “Jamestown Red Raider Marching Band Champions of New York State.”

Scott Kindberg contributed to this story.