PRESS RELEASE
Rockin’ Redwings March to Victory in Four Competitions this Month
Hoboken, NJ (November 5, 2018): Hoboken School District’s Rockin’ Redwings are on a mission to top the charts and to become a nationally award-wining marching band.
In the short time since the official establishment of the Hoboken High School Rockin’ Redwings Marching Band in 2015, the once fledgling group has transformed itself into a nationally-recognized powerhouse. Under the careful tutelage of director Dave Stasiak, the Rockin’ Redwings have graduated from performing at the Hoboken High football games and other school and community events, to headlining the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC.
So far this year, the now 45-member marching band has competed in four state competitions in addition to their regular appearances throughout the community. You may have caught the Rockin’ Redwings a few times last Wednesday, as they not only led the Hoboken Public School District’s Elementary School parades, but also marched down Washington Street in the annual City of Hoboken Halloween parade later that afternoon.
The Rockin’ Redwings have been particularly impressive throughout the entire month of October. They began by winning a first place trophy in the Class A Competition at the West Orange Marching Festival on October 6th. They followed this performance by earning a 77.2 rating and a Silver Award at the highly competitive Wayne Hills Marching Festival on October 20th. The Rockin’ Redwings earned their highest score of the season and an “Excellent” rating during the state ratings portion of the Bloomfield Marching Festival. Most recently, this talented squad of musicians and performers dazzled fans at Weehawken’s 10th Annual Marching Band Invitational.
Marching Band Director Mr. Dave Stasiak attributes this year’s success to a number of factors, including an expanded group of support staff and a larger student population. This year, Connors Elementary School music teacher Mr. Francis Azzarto is masterfully leading the Percussion section. Mentoring many of his former students, he adds style and flair to the drum line and musicality to the expanded front ensemble, which includes stationary instruments such as xylophone, vibraphone, and synthesizer. Wallace Elementary School teacher Ms. Alyssa Brooks has joined Stasiak’s team and is working in partnership with 5-year veteran coach Vanessa Cummins as they guide the color guard squad. Dance, baton, rifle, and saber has helped to diversify the talents of the color guard and to broaden the appeal of the marching band. Mr. Eric Thomas and Mr. George LaVelle have also been brought on to improve the visual portion of the Rockin’ Redwings’ programs. Mr. Thomas is a former visual caption head for the Los Angeles-based Lancaster Eagle Corps, and Mr. George LaVelle is a member of the New Jersey Drum Corps Hall of Fame and a US Bands Circuit Visual Judge since 2007.
As the level of interest in the Rockin’ Redwings continues to grow, so does the number of students that want to showcase their talents and perform for Hoboken High School. This past July, the District’s summer instrumental program was expanded to include marching practice and sectional rehearsals. Additional practice time as such allowed students to master and memorize material and steps in time for August Band Camp.
A busy summer schedule prompted the Rockin’ Redwings to focus on synthesizing music with drill and choreography. Several highly-skilled high school musicians, such as drum major Amiah Edmondson, captain Mariah Torres, and lieutenant Jared De la Rosa have also helped to increase the musicianship of the band and will be auditioning for Northern New Jersey’s Region I Honor Band after marching season.
With the end of marching season looming, the Rockin’ Redwings will enjoy a brief respite before continuing on to help lead the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington DC once again in 2019.
For more information on the Rockin’ Redwings, including a schedule of performances, pictures and videos, and student sign-up information, please visit the Rockin’ Redwings on the web at
rockinredwings.com.