Immaculata Spartans marching band wins national title

The renowned Spartan marching band from Immaculata High School in Somerville has won the national championship in its division, the third national title in the school’s history and its first since 2012. The high school’s band topped 18 competing ensembles from seven states along the east coast at the November 9 contest in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Immaculata competes in the USBands competition circuit, where it was previously named New Jersey state champion on October 26. 

Performing a program called “From the Ashes,” which featured selections of music from composers as diverse as Igor Stravinsky and John Lennon and Paul McCartney, the ensemble featured brass, woodwinds, percussion, color guard and a drum major. The program told the story of the mythical phoenix, from birth to flight, flight to death, and death to rebirth. Students from fellow parish school Immaculate Conception School participated in the drama on the field, flying “bird” kites.

More than a dozen of the marching band staff members who designed and taught the program are themselves Immaculata graduates and alumni of the school’s storied music program. Immaculata alumnus Michael Gasko, now the high school’s director of performing arts, spoke of the band’s dedication and commitment. 

“Our students made the decision this year to win,” Gasko said, “and once they had made that decision as a group, nothing was going to stop them. I am so proud of our students for their amazing season, and for consistently performing a beautiful, mature, and inspiring work of art on the field every time.” 

The work to make that decision a reality started long before the school year itself. In January of the prior school year, conversations began about program design, and work continued through the summer as rehearsals commenced. Throughout the season, Gasko explained, the program was refined, adding and editing choreography, props and effects to enhance the show.

That decision is made real again each time the band steps off onto the field. Senior Charlotte Redmond of Branchburg marvels at what she’s learned through the performances and practices. “This season has been full of growth and unforgettable memories,” she said. “Being a field commander has pushed me to become a stronger, more confident leader, especially through the challenges of uniting the team on the field. The lessons I’ve learned and connections I’ve made will stay with me for years to come.”

Although not part of the performing ensemble, the unsung heroes of the marching band program are the band parents, Gasko notes. They sew flags for color guard members, prepare pre-performance means, and act as the road crew, loading and unloading the truckload of equipment that travels with the band for each game or competition.