While we're talking about awards and such, may I just say how deserving it was for CTJ's band to receive the Albert J Castronovo Esprit de Corp award. Those band kids are often the first to congratulate whoever is the champion of any contest regardless of CTJ's placement. They, along with members of Hebron, Avon, and members of a few other bands sat through Vandegrift's encore performance, giving several standing ovations along the way.
I truly believe the best part of band isn't the music or the marching, it's the foundation that it builds for fantastic human beings. CTJ's band is a shining example of that wherever they go and whatever they're doing.