Passion and Hard Work Continue to Pay Off for Fair Lawn High School Marching Band and Color Guard

The nationally ranked Fair Lawn High School Marching Band earned first place and all caption awards in their third competition on Oct. 2 in Allendale, N.J. The band has consistently increased their scores and has garnered two first place finishes so far as well as two caption awards for music and percussion. Performing their 2011-12 show, "Bound," the ensemble of 97 students is the largest in recent years.

The band members work tirelessly toward perfection, practicing and performing together an average of 35-40 hours a week, according to Fair Lawn High School Band Director Paul Kafer. "From early mornings to late evenings, at rehearsals and performances, the students combine passion with hard work and continue to earn accolades. It's a very exciting season," Kafer said.

The Cutters next competition is at the USSBA Central New Jersey Regional in Ewing, N.J. on Oct. 16. The rest of the schedule includes contests at Morris Knolls High School in Rockaway, N.J. on Oct. 22, East Brunswick High School on Oct. 29, USSBA NJ State Championships Open Class in Old Bridge, N.J. on Nov. 5, and USSBA National Championship Open Class in Annapolis, Md. on Nov. 12.