The New York State Field Band Championship was Sunday at the Syracuse Dome. Fifty high school marching bands competed with over 4,000 band members. The Phoenix Firebirds marching band won in their division, taking home the coveted Governor’s Cup.

Senior James Hagg at the Phoenix Central School District has spent the last six years with the marching band.

What You Need To Know

  • The New York State Field Band Championship was Sunday at the Syracuse Dome

  • Fifty high school marching bands competed with over 4,000 band members

  • The competition was 14 hours long

“Marching band is so fundamentally different from every other activity,” Hagg said. “From your technique, to the way you carry yourself, your posture, everything about it teaches you to be a better human. And it teaches you to respect your elders and your superiors.”

Being a section leader has been a great accomplishment for Hagg.

“It’s challenging, but I love it,” Hagg said. “It challenges me in every way. I learn new things about myself. It’s amazing. It is a little bit more nerve wrecking because you’re being judged but that’s the fun part.”

But after high school, Hagg plans on joining the U.S. Air Force.

“I still have a very big interest in music, but I love my country and I want to join the Air Force.”

Hagg says music will always be a part of him.

The Phoenix Firebirds won first place in the small school second class with a score of 88.6.