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MCKEESPORT -- It's been a pretty darn good week if you're Art Belfiore and the Mifflin County High School Huskies Marching Band.
On Thursday, the Mifflin County School Board approved the $18 million Husky Multi-Purpose Stadium Complex, which could allow Mifflin County to host post-season competitions that the band has to drive to across the state. Friday's night Mifflin County football game came down to a last-second kick, which not only gave the Huskies a victory but clinched a trip to the District 6 playoffs.
On Saturday, the band capped off the week by winning the Tournament of Bands Group 3 Open Class Pennsylvania State Championship Event with a score of 93.20 at McKeesport Area High School, outside of Pittsburgh.
In addition to winning the state crown, the Marching Huskies also brought home specialty awards for Best Drumline, Best Color Guard, Best Music and Best Visual.
The band had a great performance at Westshore Stadium at halftime of the game and we had a great rehearsal Saturday before leaving for the competition," Belfiore said. "Unfortunately, things did not go as we planned during the performance. We had multiple issues with equipment including an instrument that did not work properly for Alex Garner, our soprano saxophone soloist, and our keyboard, which plays our narration and piano did not work for most of the first half of the show.
"In spite of all of that the students did not let it affect their performance and that is a mark of champions," he added.
Penn-Trafford High School Marching Band placed second with a score of 92.70.
"They truly earned the PA State Championship and we are looking forward to the opportunity next Sunday to compete against the best Group 3 Open Class bands from NJ, DE, WV and MD," Belfiore said.
Mifflin County will compete at 6 p.m. Sunday at HersheyPark Stadium. Tickets can be purchased from Belfiore or at the gate.