Spring-Ford Marching Rams Bring Home the Gold

Submitted by:   George Growcott, SFHS Marching Band Cood

Photos by: Andreina Erwin

Sunday October 29th in Hershey, PA the Spring-Ford HS Marching Rams made Tournament of Bands history as the received a score of 97.50 out of a possible 100 in (large band class of more then 80 musicians) Group 4 Class Open Competition.  In claiming their sixth (6th) Atlantic Coast Championship in the last seven (7) years,  they now hold claim to be the first Group 4 band in the Forty (40) Year history of the Tournament of Bands as a Group 4 Band to win more the  Five (5) Championships.  Last weekend the band placed first in the TOB SE PA Championships, which was the Seventh Championship in the last seven years, at Avon Grove HS in West Grove, PA.

The 128 member Spring-Ford Marching Band presented their 2012 Production of “Sojourn Rouge” (RED) featuring the music from Russia, England and Japan.  From the opening strains of the music of Russia, the light classical music of England and aggressive music of Japan, the Marching Rams presented to the crowd on hand in Hershey a world musical tour!  For their award winning performance led by Drum Majors (Sr) Kristi Brittain and (Jr) Abby Boyce the Marching Rams not only received their award winning score of 97.50, out distancing the second place Avon Grove HS band 94.45, third place Cumberland Valley HS 94.20, the Rams received special awards for High Music, High Visual (marching), High Brass and High Woodwinds. 

A large and very supportive crowd of Spring-Ford families, friends and alumni were on hand lending their support of the members and their presentation and followed the band out to the parking lot after the awards were presented to a post show concert, which has become a tradition at ACC whenever the band brings home the GOLD.  The band also received a very positive response to the Spring-Ford Rams from supporters of marching band shows and the efforts of the hard working members.  A family member of one of the bands in competition with the Marching Rams comments, after viewing the proud Spring-Ford band was short and to the point, “Wow, that’s Impressive!”

Also, a Senior member of the Marching Rams, Ben Rowe, received a scholarship from TOB for his scholarship entry. TOB is presenting to members that applied over $20,000 in scholarships to members as TOB celebrates it 40th Year.  Also, three members of the Spring-Ford, band Anna Keller, Vicki Davis and Laura Faraci, will be performing with 200 other members of TOB Bands in this year Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia. 

Under the direction of first year director, Mr. Seth Jones, the Spring-Ford Rams continued to carry their recent history of a strong level of performance excellence, pride and heart.  Spring-Ford in the last 10 years of TOB Championship competition has received 6 Atlantic Coast Championship Titles, 1 Silver Metal in 2009, 2 Sixth Places and 1 Seventh Place.  This year was also special with two members of the first 2006 ACC Championship Band being on the band staff in this record setting year, Mr. Brad Mea and Mr. Dennis Siller.

Congratulations Spring-Ford Golden Rams Marching Band!!!