The Mask of Zorro
Band Director Todd Mengel
Assistant Director Rick Reedy
Color Guard Director Donna Reedy
Visual Designer Bob Yarnall
Visual Tech Rick Reedy
Visual Tech Erica Churgi
Brass Lead Tech Jason Miller
Brass Tech Erica Churgi
Brass Tech Mike Gottier
Woodwind Lead Tech Sarah Frank
Percussion Head Lisa Parkyn
Percussion Consultant Bob Parkyn
Percussion Tech Jason Gerhart
Percussion Tech Phil Lenk
Guard Caption Head Donna Reedy
Guard Instructor Alison Muchorski
Guard Instructor Joey O'Brien
Guard Instructor Lori Funk
The 105-member band began working on the winning show, "The Mask of Zorro," in early August, according to OJR band director Todd Mengel, now in his 11th year in that position.
Since school began, the band has rehearsed every Tuesday and Thursday evening, honing their skills through six previous competitions prior to the Hershey event.
OJR’s marching band had placed third in the state in 2000 and finished second in 2001, 2002, and 2003. However, the personnel associated with the 2004 OJR marching band possess unique talents, according to Mengel.
"We just had a good combination not only of students but also of staff members," he stated. "We all just kind of jelled this year."
In addition to placing first in their division, the band was also recognized for best music, best visual, and best color guard.
Nearly 200 band parents and supporters of the OJR marching band made the trip to Hershey to cheer on the group as they performed.
At the announcement of OJR’s state championship win, band members screamed, cried, and cheered as they basked in the glow of their accomplishment.
The state championship flag and several gold plaques are currently on display in the main lobby of Owen J. Roberts High School.
The band expressed grateful appreciation to its many supporters including the OJR administration, board of school directors, community members, and the band parent organization for their continued encouragement.
In another highlight, the Owen J. Roberts High School marching band will perform in Cleveland next May at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Barbara Worthington, Special to The Mercury 11/27/2004
OJR hosted its 34 th Annual Cavalcade of Bands on Saturday, October 2, in the Wildcat Stadium. Under the direction of Mr. Rick Reedy, 2004 Cavalcade chairman, OJR Band Par- ents organized and ran the event. The annual competition is affiliated with the Cavalcade of Bands Association.
The Cavalcade of Bands Association is a non-profit organization composed of member schools coming together to compete on the interscholastic level. The motto of Cavalcade is "Education through Musical Involvement." The organization firmly believes that controlled competition can be a positive educational tool wherein the processes of music education can greatly enhance general education and life skills. The Cavalcade provides competitive opportunities with marching band field competitions in the fall. Member schools, like Owen J. Roberts, sponsor the contests, and the association supplies the judges.
The October 2,2004 performance schedule began at 6:00 p.m. and ended at 11:00 p.m. It featured thirteen visiting bands, which presented their field shows. The bands competed in three divisions, and their performance results were reported as follows:
Liberty Conference --West Chester East HS, first place, 78.5; Conestoga Valley HS, second place, 78.2; Daniel Boone HS, third place, 77.15; Coatesville HS, fourth place, 76.4; and Unionville HS, fifth place, 73.95.
In the American Conference -- Warwick HS, first place,84.15; Phoenixville HS, second place, 83.85; and Conrad Weiser HS, third place, 78.15.
In the Yankee Conference -- Spring Grove HS, first place, 85.95; York Suburban HS, second place, 84.85; Hempfield HS,third place, 83.35; and Marple Newtown HS, fourth place, 80.20.
The Kutztown University Marching Band and the OJR High School and Middle School bands performed in exhibition that night, but they did not compete with the other bands.
According to Band Director Todd Mengel, "The night ran smoothly thanks to the efforts of the OJR Music Parent Organization Band Chapter and Mr. Rick Reedy, chairman of the Cavalcade Committee."
Reprinted from the Advocate, November 2004