Ferndale Marching Band Places 2nd in State Finals
The Golden Eagle Marching Band band was awarded 86.9 points on Saturday- the highest they have ever earned in competition.
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The Ferndale Golden Eagle Marching Band earned second place in the Michigan Competing Band Association championships on Saturday.
The event, which took place at Ford Field, featured 48 high school marching bands from Michigan.
The Ferndale High School marching band was awarded 86.9 points, which is the highest they have ever earned in competition, according to district community relations director Stephanie Hall.
The score earned them the second place ranking in Flight III, coming in behind former Flight II band Reeths Puffer, from Muskegon. Hall said Reeths Puffer entered Flight III this year when their high school size decreased.
The Golden Eagle Marching Band performed their show "Darkest Before the Dawn," which combines a "richly arranged and challenging musical score with impeccable color guard and marching," Hall said.
[Were you there supporting the band? Add your photos to the gallery above!]
The marching band, under the direction of FHS teacher Elon Jamison, has been the state champion seven of the past nine years, with top third or second finishes the other two years.
Ferndale Schools have been named one of the best communities for music education in the nation the past two years by the NAMM Foundation. Hall said this is in recognition "not only of award-winning programs, but also of the comprehensive k-12 music programs, exceptional music educators, and school district and community support."
Stacey Jamison
9:28 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Our kids did an amazing job. Out of all the years I have worked with the band, I have never seen a more passionate and amazing performance at finals. These kids worked so hard this year and became wonderful young musicians and people. It's a privilege to be so close to this organization.
Farmington Community Library
11:07 am on Monday, November 5, 2012
Congratulations Ferndale! Well done and well deserved.
Linda Baker
2:29 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
once again a reason to be proud of our marching band and guard!
Paula Cardelli
7:05 pm on Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Our administration, from Superintendent Gary Meier to FHS Principal's Herb Ivory (retired) and Lisa Williams and everyone in between, past and current School Board Members, staff, parents and the Ferndale Schools Fine Arts Boosters have consistently collaborated, problem solved and made commitments to keep and grow the outstanding musical tradition that we have. Having spent several years as an active band parent, chair of three Taste of Music capital funds campaigns, member and past President of FSFAB, I know the commitment it takes to continue to provide this caliber of performance that transcends the event itself. It takes a community and I hope the community will remain solidly behind our schools and kids. It takes community involvement even if your children have graduated or never attend the Ferndale Schools. Come, see and be amazed by attending concerts, musicals and competitions!!