A Bucks County high school marching band has continued to stay in the top slot for competitions with their most recent music piece.

The Council Rock North Marching Band raced to first place again with its show “Unbridled” in a Cavalcade of Bands competition on Nov. 5 in Horsham. The 55-member band took top honors in the Liberty A division, competing against similar size schools at the annual 47^th annual Tip of the Hat contest hosted by Hatboro-Horsham High School. The band also won the High Color Guard trophy.  

Wayne Bishop, Director of Bands at the Newtown high school, noted that every member of the band has made much progress as a performer since August, when intense practices began during two weeks of band camp. 

“It isn’t always easy to see that progress day-to-day, but as we approach championships, it’s a great time to look back and see some real growth, said Bishop, who is in his eighth year as band director. “We get one last chance to perform this show on Saturday, and regardless of the results, everyone involved with this Band should be proud of their work this season.” 

The band’s 2022 show “Unbridled” is a celebration of equestrian culture and the free spirit of horses. The arrangement uses familiar themes from the “William Tell” and “Light Cavalry”Overtures to illicit the power and grace of this majestic creature, bringing us back to our own childhood dreams of having our very own pony. “Unbridled” is based on a concept by a Drum Corps International show “Triple Crown” by Carolina Crown.  

It’s the second consecutive victory for the band. On October 29, it placed first in a Cavalcade competition at Abington Senior High School.    

There are more opportunities for the public to see the award-winning band in action closer to home. The public is invited to the Stadium Review Concert, in which the band takes its field show indoors, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, November 15, in the auditorium at Council Rock North, with admission for the event being free.

The band will also perform at the tree lighting in Washington Crossing Historic Park on Nov. 25 in the Newtown Holiday Parade on Dec. 4 and present a free winter concert on Dec. 21 at the high school.

Learn more about the marching band at Council Rock North Marching Band.