1975-1979

Membership in the NYSFBC grew quickly during the second half of the 70's. Several new bands, such as Chenango Valley, Portville, Holley, Johnson City, Batavia, Jordan-Elbridge, Mexico, Hilton, Eastridge, Auburn and Marcus Whitman joined the conference. The second and third championships were held at Vestal, New York. West Genesee successfully defended the their championship title and Holley emerged as a leader in class B. In 1976 the conference divided bands into three classes-AA, A and B. 1976 also saw the first year that audio recordings were made of the championships. The 1977 championships were held at East Syracuse-Minoa HS and the 78 and 79 championships at Cornell University in Ithaca. Each year the conference and championship show grew in numbers. By 1978 a Novice class, for first year bands, was added. 1978 was also the year that bands from Pennsylvania actively joined the conference. Early competitors from Pennsylvania included Fairview, Shikellamy, and Girard. Leading bands in class AA during the late 70's included West Genesee, Cicero (who won the 1978 championship), Vestal, Liverpool and North Syracuse. Class A leaders included Canandaigua Academy, Holley, East Syracuse-Minoa and New Hartford. In class B Haverling HS from Bath, Jordan-Elbridge and Marcus Whitman emerged as strong contenders. New bands joining the novice division included LeRoy, Gloversville, Fulton, Groton, Greene, Cassadaga Valley and Palmyra-Macedon. Bands tended to perform very symmetrical drill patterns with the percussion line remaining on or near the 50 yard line and the banner line often staying in the backfield. Many bands used a presentation of the American Flag during their show. Quite a few bands featured baton twirlers or swing flags. Most of the uniforms were made of heavy wool. If you attended a NYSFBC show during the 70's you might have heard these selections; Battle Hymn of the Republic, MacArthur Park, Theme From Rocky, That’s Entertainment, Copacabana, Temptation, Moorside March and numerous compositions by Chuck Mangione.

The Early 1980s >>