Published: October 13, 2008 11:31 pm         

Fort Hill marching band captures top honors at Autumn Glory competition

Allegany achieves high mark of season

CUMBERLAND — Fort Hill and Allegany High School marching bands were both involved in competitions over the weekend.

Fort Hill finished first in the Autumn Glory Festival out of nine bands with a score of 89.70, debuting its 2008 show “To The Skies...” in the Southern High School Western Maryland Tournament of Bands Competition. The band also performed in the Autumn Glory Parade.

Drum Major Brandon Snyder and Field Capt. Savannah Mason accepted awards for first place in division three with a score of 80.50. Fort Hill received specialty awards, including Best Music and Best Marching and Maneuvering, as well as the top award for Best Music Overall in the competition.

The Allegany High School Marching Band hosted the 12th annual Tournament of Bands Preview of Champions. In Group 1, Hancock High School placed first; Group 2, North Hagerstown High School; Group 3, Hedgesville High School. Somerset High School took high color guard honors. The Allegany marching band scored its highest score of the year with an 85.15 in exhibition.

Allegany will compete Saturday evening at Sykesville High School at the Maryland State U.S. Scholastic Band Association State Championships in the Group 4 Open Class competition as the reigning Maryland champion in that group.