MAKING
MUSIC
The Cougar marching band hosted its annual band
festival at Honus Wagner Field on September 30. In a
moving opening ceremony, the 911 Airlift Wing Honor
Guard joined the band as they performed the National
Anthem.
The festival featured performances of eight high
school bands, comprising Bethel Park, Bishop Canevin,
Chartiers Houston, Chartiers Valley, Cornell, Steel Valley,
West Allegheny and Carlynton. The Robert Morris
University marching band capped off the music-filled
night.
Band director Todd Obidowski said the throng of
students represented their schools well. The stands were
packed and people were standing along the fence.
Can’t Stop the Feeling, Cheap Thrills, Hello, and Sorry
were the titles of the songs performed by the Cougar
marching band. “It was our strongest performance of the
year,” said Mr. Obdiowski. “I think they (students) really
fed off of the crowd interaction and put on a great show,”
he added.
The band festival could not take place without the
support and organization of band boosters. From
parking, concessions, a program, organizing gram tables
and more, a collaborative effort made for one of the
most successful festivals in recent years.
In addition to the home event, the Cougars have
participated in festivals for the Chartiers Valley, Montour,
Upper St. Clair, and West Allegheny school districts and
parades at Kennywood Park, community Labor Day
parades, the Bloomfield Halloween Parade, and the
Veteran’s Day Parade in Pittsburgh.
The band will travel to Disney World, Orlando, FL April
27-May 1, 2018 to perform in The Magic Kingdom and
take part in a number of art-related workshops.
48 Carlynton-Montour