Appeared in the Syracuse Herald America August 11, 1968
This wasn't in the script when school bands from all
over Central and Western New York competed in a band competition
at Gorham. The heat took its toll during the long inspections
and several youngsters fainted. However, the big show went on
. . . Story Inside.
Photos by DICK BANDY
Every mother in the crowd no doubt felt a twinge when the cute
blonde band member keeled over. And there were other youngsters
who also felt the effects of the heat as they strutted their
stuff in the 8th Annual Gorham Pageant of Bands.
The heat—and fainting—didn't deter the spirited youngsters who
made up the more than 30 bands participating in the big event.
After all, the reputations of their schools were at stake. For
many of the boys and girls the pageant meant getting up early
in the morning to make the bus trip to Gorham, southwest of
Geneva.
The precision displays culminated long months of practice after
regular school hours. The participants passed up many sports
and social events because of their dedication to the bands.
The bands came from all over Central and Western New York. Among
those in competition was the band from Gillette Road Junior
High of the North Syracuse School District
The bands were divided into classes according to school enrollment
and, in the case of junior highs, whether 9th grade students
participated.
Bands were judged on music, general effect, marching. The drum
majors and twirling corps also were evaluated.
Highlight of the day came when the bands assembled for the presentation
of trophies. The gleaming awards made the weary marchers forget
their blisters, the heat and the long hours of practice.
After all their schools had won!
Youth Honor Kennedy In Gorham
Pageant
Unknown where this article appeared, but the date was
June 8, 1968.
By MARGE VAN ISEGHEM
Canandaigua Area News Service
GORHAM — Students marched at Gorham Saturday.
But it was a different kind of demonstration. The 4,000 high
school pupils exhibited their musical talent in the Eighth Gorham
Pageant of Bands.
The youth dedicated their efforts to the memory of Sen. Robert
F. Kennedy. They were joined by some 20,000 spectators in a
solemn tribute that coincided with the Arlington procession
to the senator's final resting place.
"What better memorial than this giving of yourselves," said
the Rev. John Whitley, Aquinas Institute, who led the ecumenical
service on the campus of Gorham Central School.
"Youth here this afternoon gave of their creative 'genius, youthful
vitality in a magnificent pageant, one of the greatest in all
New York State. This is a glorious day when hundreds upon hundreds
of youths gather in this manner to pay tribute and be an inspiration
to all youth. I pray it will linger to be an inspiration."
The Rev. Ralph Kee, Gorham Baptist pastor, looked to two uncomplicated
solutions to the pondering of "what to do in our nation." He
said each can do his part to renew our heritage and to begin
to pay off our debts to minorities and all men.
Steps in these directions can see things transformed in short
order, he said.
Gorham school band played the national anthem after the ecumenical
prayer and a moment of quiet hush.
Music ran the gamut from well known marches to popular tunes.
A color guard competition was added to events with Aquinas Institute,
Rochester, taking top honors and Clarence High School as runner-up.
The two took identical honors in Class A parade competition
and Class A concert first place trophy. This band also garnered
a perfect score in inspection.
Parade placings went to:
Class A — first, Aquinas; second, Clarence and third, Seneca
Falls.
Class B — first Dundee; second, Middlesex and third, Phelps.
Class C — first, Savona; second, Prattsburgh and third, Canaserage.
Class A Junior High — first Lancaster; second, Gillette Road,
North Syracuse and third, Mill Street, Williamsville.
Class B Junior High — first, Canandaigua Academy; second, Seneca
Falls and third, Griffith Institute, Springville.
