LoBiondo Surprises VHS Band With Special Certificate of Recognition

Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2, hand delivered a certificate of special Congressional recognition Monday to the Vineland High School Marching Clan for the band’s stellar performance in recent competition.

The Marching Clan placed first in Concert and Parade Competition at a recent festival in Boston that featured seven student concert bands, two jazz bands and three orchestras.

Vineland was also awarded the Parade Grand Champion Award and the William D. Ravelli Concert Band Grand Champion Award, according to William McDevitt, band director. Vineland received the highest score of any concert group in the festival.

While on stage, the band received a clinic from Frank Battisti, former Band Director at the New England Conservatory of Music, and one of the founders of the modern concert band movement.  He praised the band members for their musicianship and their excellent performance.

LoBiondo read a newspaper account of the band’s performance and was so impressed that he called the school and asked to make the presentation in person. His visit was a surprise to the band members, who assembled for a practice session.

“This is a fabulous accomplishment,” he told the students. “While I am here to say congratulations to all of you, more importantly, I think it is a life lesson you could learn from your great accomplishment.  You are the only one who can hold yourself back in life.  Whether it is collectively as a group, as you did, or individually, you are only limited by your own initiative and creativity.  You certainly didn’t have many limits in Boston.  That was proven. 

“When you set the bar high, it is amazing what you can accomplish,” said LoBiondo. “When you believe in yourself, it is amazing how high you can soar.”

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to personally congratulate you and wish you all the best in the future,” said LoBiondo. “Continue to set the bar high.”

LoBiondo also praised McDevitt, for a “great job.  I am sure a lot of your personal attention and energy went into this performance.”

The Congressman was also treated to an impromptu concert by the band. The program included one of the arrangements the band performed in the competition, and an Italian march in honor of LoBiondo’s heritage.

Also participating in the informal ceremony were Chalky Ottinger, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Thomas McCann, VHS South Principal, and Theodore E. Peters, VHS North Principal.