Luzerne Co. marching band represents Pennsylvania on national stage
REBECCA SCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY / SPECIAL TO SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - The Pittston Area Marching Band performs at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on Nov. 14, 2025.
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – A marching band from Luzerne County represented the Commonwealth in November competing as one of the top high school bands in the country.
The Pittston Area High School Marching Patriots took part in the Bands of America Grand National Championship, described as one of the most prestigious high school marching arts events in the country.
“As performers there was no doubt that they were all saving their best for last. Our students took the national stage with confidence and a no-fear attitude,” Adam Burdett, band director, said. “They absolutely rose to the occasion and proved they deserved to be there.”
REBECCA SCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY / SPECIAL TO SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – The Pittston Area Marching Band poses for a photo outside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on Nov. 14, 2025. 
REBECCA SCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY / SPECIAL TO SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – The Pittston Area Marching Band performs at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on Nov. 14, 2025. 
REBECCA SCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY / SPECIAL TO SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – The Pittston Area Marching Band performs at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on Nov. 14, 2025.
During the three-day trip, the Marching Patriots attended top-tier performances from ensembles across the nation inside Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis.
They also represented Pittston Area and northeast Pennsylvania on the national stage with their 2025 field production, “FORE! A Day in the Life of a Golfer.”
The show guides audiences through the challenges of a typical round of golf—from the morning stretch to sand traps, water hazards, and wooded roughs—before concluding with a triumphant finish. The ensemble was among 108 bands competing in preliminary competition.
REBECCA SCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY / SPECIAL TO SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – The Pittston Area Marching Band performs at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on Nov. 14, 2025. 
REBECCA SCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY / SPECIAL TO SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – The Pittston Area Marching Band performs at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on Nov. 14, 2025. 
REBECCA SCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY / SPECIAL TO SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – The Pittston Area Marching Band performs at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana on Nov. 14, 2025.
Within Pennsylvania, the Marching Patriots are the 2024 Silver Medalists in the Cavalcade of Bands Independence A Division. They concluded the season with a 6th place finish and a score of 89.375.
The Marching Patriots are under the direction of Adam Burdett, Band Director and Drill/Show Designer and Nathan Dovman, Band Director and Percussion Instructor.
Assistant Band Directors include Justin Roote, Laurie Alaniz, and MaryAnn Lugiano. Additional staff includes Bill Aruscavage, Persephone Gilliland, and Maddie Ross (Percussion Instruction); Ethan Distler (Color Guard Design and Instruction); Mikey Talerico (Color Guard Instruction); Bob Lugiano (Winds Arranger); and Ryan Reed (Percussion Arranger).
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