‘Back in Blue’: Burgettstown High revives marching band
Marching band halftime shows are a staple of American high school football, and one of the highlights of game day for many fans.
But for nearly seven years, Burgettstown High School had been without one.
On Friday, Sept. 1, however, the Burgettstown marching band made its return.
When the varsity football team took on the Bethlehem-Center Bulldogs at Hillman Memorial Stadium, they had the support of the Burgettstown Marching Blue Devils for the first time since 2017.
“There was a groundswell of support to reintroduce the band,” said Burgettstown Area School District Superintendent Steven Puskar. “There is a lot of pride in the Burgettstown School District and we have an active alumni base, and there was a lot of talk lamenting the fact that we didn’t have one, and what can they do to support its revival.”
The marching band includes 17 musicians under the direction of Al Cugini, who has been involved in marching band as a performer and instructor since 1990, bolstered by seven Devilettes who comprise the majorette team.
“We’re very excited to relaunch the Marching Blue Devils this year, and we’re hoping it’s the start of many good things to come,” said Cugini.
The marching band’s routine is – appropriately – “Back in Blue” and kicks off with AC/DC’s rock anthem “Back in Black.” Their routine also includes songs that celebrate reinvention: the Backstreet Boys’ “Backstreet’s Back” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”.
The band is open to students in grades 7 through 12, and marching band is now offered as a class for high school credit.
The band will play at home and away football games and will participate in the West Allegheny Cavalcade of Bands on Sept. 30.
“Any time a school district can provide additional opportunities for students to showcase their talent and to grow, that’s a good thing,” said Puskar. “They’re a very active, energetic, dedicated and talented group. The response to the marching band has been overwhelmingly positive, and we really just look for the band to grow.”
Cugini said students who participate in marching band are part of a special experience.
“It is a combination of the fine arts and athletics that requires a unique level of commitment and self-discipline in order for the group and the individual to be successful,” said Cugini. “By its very nature, marching band embodies school spirit with its bold uniforms that showcase school colors. It exists on its own, but is also integral to the atmosphere of high school football and schoolwide celebrations like homecoming. For us, it’s both an honor and a big responsibility to represent not only ourselves, but our entire school community every time we put the uniform on.”