King Philip Marching Band - Retain Championship Title The nationally recognized King Philip Marching band, the Pride and the Passion, were rewarded this weekend for their hours of hard work, dedication and passion as they came away from a major regional championship with highest honors. Making the long 9 hour journey to Baltimore, Maryland during the day on Friday, the band then rehearsed for 3 hours in the evening, rehearsed again for 3 hours on Saturday morning, before preparing themselves for the Bands of America Regional Championship at Towson Stadium. King Philip was one of the last bands to perform in the preliminary round made up of 25 bands, bands from states up and down the eastern sea board; Florida, North Carolina, Connecticut, each with the same goal; to perform their best show of the season. Performing their show, "Roman Festivals", music by Ottorino Respighi, King Philip was placed second in their Division and was awarded best overall music performance. They placed third overall in the preliminary round, however it earned them a place in the finals. Only the top ten bands make the cut to finals regardless of class. King Philip knew that they had to step it up to be able to stand a chance of retaining their title of two years ago (the championship was rained out last year). And in usual King Philip style they did just that...... an exhilarating performance, leaving the audience in awe. They were awarded best overall music again and were crowned Regional Champions outscoring bands that were almost double their size and overcoming the difference in score from the preliminary rounds. This is the fourth time that King Philip has won a Bands of America Regional Championship in five tries. KP came in second in their first attempt in 1999. Next weekend the Marching band will compete in the MICCA (Massachusetts Instrumental and Conductors Association) State Finals in Lowell, hoping to achieve their 20th consecutive gold medal championship. 10/25/2006 ###