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As of deadline Saturday, only marching bands from The Gilbert School in Winsted and Rocky Hill High School were able to perform outside before school officials learned of a tornado warning. By 5:45 p.m., Superintendent Salvatore F. Menzo and Lyman Hall Principal David Bryant quickly brought all bands, spectators and parent volunteers into the gym for safety and delayed further performances.
"I think we handled it the best that we could," Menzo said, saying that everyone worked hard to make the move go smoothly.
For about two hours, a patient crowd wondered when the rain and thunder and lightening would let up. Trying to be optimistic, a few peeked outside, trying to find a break in the weather.
Menzo used his phone to keep an eye on weather radar, and Bryant kept in contact with the competition's judges.
Elliot Schneer, the drum major for East Haven High School, stood before his audience leading them in "If Your Happy and You Know It" and the wave. East Haven was about to perform when competition was delayed.
"Here are die-hard band parents sticking it out," said Marie Huff, of East Haven, gesturing toward the crowd.
When school officials and judges finally decided to continue the competition indoors, parents were disappointed, but relieved to know that their children would still be able to show their talents after working so hard to prepare for the competition.
Indoor competition limits the amount of moving a marching band can do and changes the nature of the competition.
"It's a lot different when it's outdoors," said Michele Jasunas, mother of a Southington High School band student.
Competition resumed shortly before 8 p.m. Saturday. An intermission was cut from the schedule.
afalcone@record-journal.com
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