Band Snags 1st Place @ North Adams

By: Amanda Welch, Co-Editor

After a hard lost to Lewis Mills High School at the Bristol Mum’s Parade, the Torrington Marching Band redeemed themselves with a grand come back, by winning last Sunday’s North Adams Fall Foliage Festival Parade in North Adams, Massachusetts.

THS was up against 7 other high schools from New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, including the Red Raider’s largest competitor, Lewis Mills. Torrington’s first place finish was their first since 2008, and their second for this parade. Mills, who was last year’s winner, took second place.

Bridget Bertoldi, drum major, believes that THS went in ready to win. “Looking in everyone’s eyes, I knew everyone wanted it.”

Senior Joe Kuleaza actually had tears in his eyes over the win. “It was so surreal, it was the biggest accomplishment, because we did something that past band members couldn’t do.”

Wayne Splettstoeszer, Band Director, shared in the enthusiasm. “It feels amazing to win! It was a difficult parade and the band has been working extremely hard.”

The Torrington Marching Band has changed their appearance and attitude this year. The marching band has recently purchased new uniforms. Splettstoeszer says “it was time.” The previous uniforms had been in use for 26 years.

“The new uniforms are much lighter than the last,” says Sophomore Devon Donovan. Along with the new uniforms is a new banner created by Sophomore Makenzie Welch. Welch felt that the “the old banner did not match the uniforms, so I was asked to create a banner that would match.”

Senior Krysten Zuffelatto believes the band has become more of a family this year. “It hasn’t felt like this since 2009.”

Band members feel this improved moral contributed to the weekend’s win. Senior Sarah Barrios summed up by saying, “Closer is better.”