DAY Six - January 2, 2000:

    Bank One Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona was rocking Saturday evening with the sounds of eight of the nations finest high school marching bands. The Oswego High School Marching Buccaneers stood among them in the 2000 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona National Band Championship. Finishing in 4th place in the prestigious event behind Valley View H.S.:California, Corna del Sol:Arizona and Champlin Park:Minnesota, the Marching Buccaneers delivered their strongest performance ever in competition. After completing an exceptional rehearsal earlier in the day, students spent the afternoon resting in the hotel to prepare for the evening competition.

    The evening began with the U.S. Airforce Parachute Team flying through the open roof of Bank One Stadium to the applause of thousands of marching band fans. The level of competition was very high among the participating groups this year. Oswego finished just ahead of the 1998 Fiesta Bowl National Band Champion, Dickson County H.S. of Tennessee.

    A highlight for the evening was for Kristin Z. The Marching Buccaneer drum major was selected as the Best Drum Major in the Fiesta Bowl Competition. "Kristin is so deserving of this award" band director Bill Palange said following the awards ceremony, "She has commanded the complete respect of her peers through her consistent, untiring work ethic. I am very, very happy for her and her entire family."

    The Marching Buccaneers returned home late Sunday evening from both the Rochester and Syracuse airport to the applause of many fans, boosters and family.

    The students in the award photo (pic47) are row 1: Daisy A, Anna Z, Liz N. and Julia G. Row 2 Director Bill Palange, Kevin S, Carrie Z., Drum Major Kristin Z., Kim Van S., John D.l