Bethel High School marching band wins nationals

BETHEL - The Bethel High School Marching Wildcats took first place at the US Bands National championships on Sunday.

The Wildcats competed against 24 other bands from across the country in Allentown, Pennsylvania last weekend, earning a score of 96.813, beating a personal goal of 96. The band also won the prestigious Esprit de Corps Award and the following caption awards: Best Music, Best Visual, Best Overall Effect and Best Color-Guard.

The band remained undefeated throughout its 11-competition season.

Damon Coachman is the director of the band, which is comprised of 45 members in five sections: brass, drumline, color guard, pit and woodwinds.

“Words cannot express how proud we are of these wonderful young men and women,” Principal Chris Troetti said in a statement. “The BHS Marching Band and Color-Guard have worked tirelessly to reach their full potential. Their passion, camaraderie and commitment to excellence is something for all of us to emulate. I want to thank Mr. Coachman and his entire team for their astounding effort to foster these attributes in our performers.”