Marching Dodgers to Host Top Bands at Competition

The Madison High School Marching Dodgers will host and compete against top area marching bands starting at 1 p.m. Sunday at the high school, 170 Ridgedale Ave.

This year's Tournament of Bands will include an exhibition by the Kutztown University band, which has more than 150 members.

Competing bands range in size from Group I to Group IV and are vying for a chance to get to the Atlantic Coast Championships. Madison is competing in the prestigious Open Class for the second year after previous second-place finishes in A Class, according to an announcement for the event.

The public is invited to attend. Admission is $10 at the gate.

Madison's band boasts 51 instrumentalists, 11 color guard members, and a pit crew of parents. They compete almost every weekend and their show also can be seen at half-time during varsity football home games. The band's 2013 show is entitled “What Dreams May Come.”

This is the Marching Dodgers' fourth year in competition, under the leadership of director Russell Batsch. Until the program restarted several years ago,  Madison High School had not had a marching band since 1995.

 “Our home show is not just important for placement, but for the whole town of Madison as well,” Batsch said. “We hope they will turn out and cheer us on! Let the Marching Dodgers lead you into a world we all know but few dare to share, the world of our dreams. Join us on our journey of sight and sound!”

Food and souvenirs will be available at the competition.

The Marching Dodgers are supported by the Marching Dodger Booster Club, an official 501(c)3 nonprofit charity that welcomes donations and has helped to fund improvements for the band’s 2013 season of shows and competitions, including additions to uniforms, colorful new flags, instruments, safety equipment, music and music computer programs, along with the maintenance of equipment, repairs of instruments, and transportation expenses. To support the band, donations may be made to: The Marching Dodgers Booster Club (MDBC), P.O. Box 34, Madison, N.J. 07940. For more information call 201-274-4617.