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The Marching Spartans: More Than Just a Band
By Brendan Coombs | October 20, 2026
The Sparta High School Marching Band has experienced its share of highs and lows over the past four years, but through dedication, hard work, and teamwork, the Marching Spartans have built a program that continues to find success both on and off the field.
In the fall of 2025, the marching band won the New Jersey State Championship for USBands Group 3A. With that success comes dedication. Being part of the marching band takes up a lot of time, but for its members, the commitment is worth the triumph they feel after winning a competition, especially when they earn the highest score of the entire event.
This year, the Marching Spartans have placed first in every competition they have attended and are looking to earn a second consecutive state title, with hopes of finding success at regionals as well.
However, the band's impact extends far beyond its own competitions. The Marching Spartans also play an important role in creating the atmosphere at Sparta High School football games, working alongside the cheerleaders and energizing the student section.
Senior football kicker Hayden Denmead recognizes just how important the band is to the game-day experience.
"Without the marching band the atmosphere of our crowd is much less lively. At the Passaic Valley football game, we had no marching band, and the game just wasn't the same."
Not only does the marching band compete at a high level, but its members also provide entertainment and work alongside the cheerleaders to help maintain the energy and overall morale throughout football games.
Head director Joseph Lombardo believes the band's accomplishments go beyond the scores they receive at competitions.
"The Marching Spartans have had great success this year not only in their performance, but also in building a positive culture. We demand that all of our students are always kind and respectful, find ways to step in and step up to help the band, and perform every rep with the right balance of focus and intensity. While we have been receiving high scores at our competitions, we believe that the most important and valuable aspects of our program cannot be calculated through a scorecard."
Senior drum major Armani Gutierrez echoed those sentiments, expressing pride in the band's accomplishments and the people who have helped make the season successful.
"I couldn’t be prouder of how the marching band has turned out this season. Their hard work, talent and passion are truly remarkable and their efforts have brought home wins at every competition of the year so far. I especially want to highlight our incredible directors and student leadership team, without them we’d be nowhere near as successful."
With the season coming to a close, Gutierrez also encouraged students and the community to support the band at its final home football game on Friday, October 23.
"As our season comes to a close I want to encourage everyone to come cheer us on at our last home game this Friday 10/23 and also encourage any students in grades 7-11 to come to our annual day at the game where they can learn more about being in the band by rehearsing with us after school and sit with us during the game! It’s super low stakes and it’ll be a fun time for everyone who shows up."
The relationship between the marching band and the cheerleading squad is another important part of the Friday night football experience.
Senior varsity cheerleader Claire Cioce, who has cheered for four years, reflected on what working alongside the marching band has meant to her.
"Cheering with the marching band over the past four years has been such a fun experience! One of my favorite parts has been coordinating our dances with the band’s music. I love how the band is always changing up the songs because it gives us as cheerleaders a chance to work together, be creative, and come up with something new every week. It’s always so exciting celebrating touchdowns together, and nothing beats the feeling of celebrating a win at the end of the game. It’s definitely something I’m going to miss about high school!"
Sophomore cheerleader Lauren Goff shared similar feelings about the band's role in creating a positive atmosphere.
"The marching band is made up of such an amazing group of people. They are so dedicated, talented, and always brighten up the game especially for the cheerleaders. We have so much fun dancing a long to the band and they are so supportive to us as we cheer. Working with the marching band is a really amazing experience and we are very lucky to have them in our stands and on the field."
The marching band's connection to Sparta football doesn't stop with the players and cheerleaders. Its presence also makes a difference to the students cheering from the stands.
Junior Evi Gomez is a dedicated Sparta football fan who regularly attends home games. Although she is not a member of the band or cheerleading squad, she recognizes the role the marching band plays in keeping the student section engaged.
"I think that the marching band is what keeps the student section going, without them, the stands would be quiet when the game gets slow. When the marching band is up, then so are we. They are what truly hold the atmosphere and support cheer along with us students."
For the students who participate, marching band offers an opportunity to experience some of the best parts of high school. Members get to compete against and watch other talented bands, develop friendships, and experience the excitement of football games from the stands while feeling connected to their school community through music.
The Marching Spartans' success is certainly reflected in their competition results, but their influence reaches well beyond trophies and scorecards. From the practice field to competitions and Friday night football games, the band brings together students, athletes, cheerleaders, and fans.
For the Marching Spartans, marching band isn't just an activity. It's an experience, and one that helps make the high school years memorable.
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