For the first time in 18 years, Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School’s marching band took home first place at the New York State Field Band Competition at Syracuse University on Oct. 27. 

The band competed in the Large School 3 Division and received a score of 85.20. The Copiague marching band also received awards for high visual, high music and overall effect. 

“Championships don’t happen in isolation,” said Copiague School District Director of Fine Arts Jennifer Ross-Troise. “They are the result of years of hard work by the students and staff and support of the community, parents and administration. This group of students has been singularly remarkable: hard-working and dedicated; they are truly deserving.”

The team is directed by Tristan Hayes, his first year in this position. The theme of the show is “Imagine That” which follows a young girl experiencing different dreamscapes. “We’ve had a lot of successes this year,” Hayes said. “We have gone undefeated during our regular season and scored very well. I am most proud of the way the students have grown in their musicianship and the way that they move on the field. They have made incredible progress this year.”