Norwood High Mustang Marching Band Claims State and Regional Championship Dominance-November 12, 1976

1976: Mustang Band Captures Third Consecutive State Title in Freezing Lowell Competition

NORWOOD — For the third straight year, the Norwood High School Mustang Marching Band claimed the state championship crown, taking first place at the Massachusetts Instrumental Conductors Association competition held at snow-covered Cawley Stadium in Lowell.

Despite frigid weather, the 120-member Mustang band dominated a statewide field of 17 competing schools across all size divisions. The judges awarded Norwood an impressive 92 points out of 110, leaving second-place finishers Quincy and Methuen far behind in a tie at 66.5 points, followed by South Hadley (66 points) and Silver Lake Regional High School (64 points).

Band Director Paul M. Alberta praised the victory as “the highest achievement in the state for high school music, and the students deserve the utmost credit.” Ken Bibby, publicity chairman for the Norwood Parents Music Association, noted that because the competition included schools of all sizes, Norwood reigned as champion of both Class A (large schools) and the entire Commonwealth. Judging criteria evaluated music (40 points), marching (40 points), general effect (20 points), and a formal Army master sergeant inspection (10 possible bonus points).

Local supporters braved the cold afternoon stands, including Attorney George M. Roboy, father of tuba player Joshua Ruboy, who beamed, “These kids have been working—they must have put in 40 hours the last week—and it really shows.” Following the victory, members celebrated with a well-deserved dinner at the Venice Cafe in South Norwood.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger