TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WKBW) — Congratulations are in order for the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas!
The band traveled to New Orleans for the American Legion National Band Competition on Saturday, where they took home first place with a score of 96.67.
"It meant so much to me that I could honor the past and honor the present, and all of these people," said director Matthew Cool. "It's about all of us and what we've done here."
Cool says the band actually missed the award ceremony because it was moved up to an earlier time while they were at another performance.
"It was almost more exciting to be on the bus and have that happen like that than to be at the actual convention center," he said.
Formed in 1929, the American Legion Band of the Tonawandas Post 264 is generally comprised of about 90 members who perform up to 30 concerts year-round.
You can catch the entire 2024 American Legion National Band Contest online here.
