NORTH ROYALTON, Ohio -- Over the weekend of Sept. 13, the North Royalton High School marching band hosted two big events. On Friday night, the band welcomed more than 80 alumni Royalettes and Royalaires to perform with the band on the field at halftime of the school’s football game.
This exciting night allowed alumni to once again perform “under the lights.” Alumni spanning decades were reunited to perform. The band recognized all the advisers and instructors for the Royalettes and Royalaires over the decades, but a particularly important milestone was reached when Royalette adviser Karen Colabianchi was acknowledged for her 40th year of teaching with the Band Front.
Colabianchi, rather than watching from the sidelines, was out on the field performing right alongside the more than 80 alumni who returned for an exciting halftime performance. On Saturday, the ensemble hosted its annual “Festival of Bands,” welcoming 11 high school bands to perform for a packed stadium. Bands were featured from all around Greater Cleveland, performing a variety of styles of music.
The North Royalton band premiered this year’s competition show, entitled “Stronger.” The night concluded with all 11 bands taking the field simultaneously, combining over 1,400 student performers to play “America the Beautiful” in a spectacular finale. This is a favorite moment each year for audience members and performers alike.
“This was a big weekend for us,” said Director of Bands David Vita.