Blue Knights Marching Band Offers ‘Reflections’ on the Past
Every October, the Southington Blue Knights play host to a marching band and color guard competition, Music of the Knight (MOTK), where dozens of teams from all over the state combine to stage a multi-hour spectacle. This year’s festival of music and movement, held on October 24, was capped by a performance from the University of New Haven Marching Band.
This year was the 33rd celebration of MOTK. It saw, “the most bands, the most volunteers, the most teamwork, the most collaboration with football, the most compliments from the USBands team and Executive Director, and the most income!,” according to a statement from Kevin and Kelly Flood, the MOTK Co-Chairs.
Before the UNH team came on the field, the hosting Blue Knights put on a show of their own. With costumes and props designed to evoke the glitter of mirrors, the 27 color guard members and 69 percussion, brass and woodwind players moved through an intricately choreographed routine. As flags, sabers, and rifles spun through the air, the band played a jazz-themed version of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Both Sides, Now.’
Along with reflections, a second theme of the night was alumni recognition. Dozens of former marching band and color guard members paraded onto the field just before the Knights’ performance, cheered on by the crowd that packed the stands.
Normally during MOTK, the Blue Knights rely on returning alums to man the concession booth. This year, in order to make it possible for them to be recognized on the field, a group of volunteers from the football team showed up to take their place.
The Blue Knights Marching Band Alumni will be holding a reunion for alumni at Paul Gregory’s, 168 Center Street, on November 27, 6-9pm. Tickets, which must be purchased in advance, are available here.
