LITITZ — On Saturday, November 4, Hempfield’s Marching Knights (HMK), under the direction of Matt Ceresini, competed at the Cavalcade of Bands’ Championships. The band placed second in their division with a score of 96.2, only beaten out in their division by Upper Moreland, who scored 97.4.
Drum major Amelia Horst led the band in their field show “Mad Science.” It took musical inspiration from Bach and quotes the song “Weird Science” by Oingo Boingo. Saxophonist Tessa Barden and trumpeter Jack Camens were featured as soloists. Colorful set pieces represented the ball-and-stick molecules you might see in chemistry class. The show ended in a blaze of glory as drum major Horst donned a spiky white wig and glasses, embracing the mad scientist image and unveiling a bucket of liquid nitrogen to end the show. Five-year senior Aydan Pronovost expressed his feelings on concluding his last marching season in just a few words: “It was a good show, and we did our best.”
HMK had competed last month at the Bands of America’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship to place sixth overall on a very competitive field with a score of 73.3. It was a tremendous achievement for the band to do so well on such a competitive field. This success brought momentum going into championships.
The band wrapped up a successful season of competition. Students interested in participating in marching band and similar activities in the winter season might want to check out Hempfield’s indoor percussion ensemble (HIPE) or winter guard. Contact Mr. Ceresini for more information.
Photos courtesy of Hempfield Band Boosters.