1985-1989

In 1985 the NYSFBC reorganized their classifications into Class AA Open, A Open, AA, A and Novice. That year also saw one of the largest championship shows with 42 bands in attendance. Liverpool won the AA Open title. Jordan-Elbridge took top honors in A Open, Bishop Kearney won class AA, Eastridge won the Class A Championship and Phoenix won the Novice title. Several new bands joined the NYSFBC during the middle and late 80's.. Those bands included, Webster, Southwestern, North Tonawanda, Orchard Park, Wellsville, Falconer and Homer. Bands from western Pennsylvania formed their own circuit and ventured less and less to central New York. However, 1986 marked the first appearance of a competitor from Long Island- Hampton Bays HS. 1987 was the year that CNS took home top honors in the AA Open category. Rapid paced marching and more demanding color guard work made for some exciting competition. In 1989 the NYSFBC reorganized their classes one more time to include National Class, Class AAA, Class AA and Class A. National Class/AA Open leaders during this era included West Genesee, CNS and Liverpool. Eastridge, Jordan-Elbridge and New Hartford dominated the top places in the A Open Class. Auburn, Webster, Central Square and others were very successful in Class AA competition. Victor, Southwestern and Mohawk often placed near the top of Class A, while Novice Class champions included Phoenix, Falconer and Hilton. Bands were also attempting much more difficult and demanding music. If you attended one of the NYSFBC Championships in the late 80's you might have heard; The Planets by Holst, A young Person’s Guide To The Orchestra, Rhapsody In Blue, Variations On A Korean Folk Song, Festive Overture, Carnival Overture and Candide as well as songs from Les Miserables.

The 1990s >>