The Mighty Sound of Mendham Wins First State Championship
By Angela Clark
November 12, 2025
The Mighty Sound of Mendham Performing at Madison High School Photo by Jessie Rejano
From the Music in the Valley competition at West Morris Central to the Tournament of Bands State Championship at Barnegat High School, The Mighty Sound of Mendham has had an especially successful season. In addition to playing at Minutemen football games, the marching band has performed at five different competitions as part of the Tournament of Bands and USBands circuits, earning first place at each with the show Journey Through Darkness by JaRod Hall, a story of finding light in periods of internal conflict and strife.
To prepare for competition, The Mighty Sound of Mendham began rehearsal even before the first day of school, with two weeks of band camp in August. Upon the beginning of the school year, hours of rehearsal allowed the band to perfect its routine. Band Director Mr. Gibbons expressed, “The positivity was electric this season. Each practice was something that we looked forward to. It was a lot of work, but so rewarding. We have a world-class staff, and an incredible group of students.” The band’s first competition took place on September 27th at West Morris Central, followed by a performance at Madison High School on October 5th, both as part of the Tournament of Bands Circuit. The Mighty Sound of Mendham went on to play at MetLife Stadium on October 18th in the Ludwig Musser Classic, as part of the USBands Circuit, then competed in the Tournament of Bands Regional Championship the following day. After securing first place at all four competitions, the band’s momentum, energy, and enthusiasm, bolstered by support from the Music Boosters, pit crew families, and administration, carried it to its first Tournament of Bands State Championship on October 25th. The band’s season-long success earned it a #1 ranking out of all forty-one 1A bands participating in the circuit across multiple states.
Mendham’s exciting state championship victory was truly a result of the marching band’s effort and determination. In referring to the championship, senior Aadhi Vel, clarinetist and Woodwind Captain for The Mighty Sound of Mendham, recalled that, “Even after performing it felt like it was a really good show,” to which junior Lucia Yacinda, who plays the mellophone, agreed, stating that, “We left the field and everybody was like, woah, that was a really good run….We all felt really accomplished.” There are seven seniors who are part of this incredible group. We wish Aadhi Vel, Meredith Hoye,
Drew Gannon, Dylan Parks, Boone Thompson, Charlotte Lindsey, and Zach Malangone the best as they continue onward in their post-high school and musical careers. Student leadership also played a vital role in the marching band’s success, including: Drum Majors Zach Malangone and Chelsea Pappas, Woodwind Captain Aadhi Vel, Brass Captain Jacob Spiegel, and Percussion Captain Abi Conover.
A state championship secured, The Mighty Sound of Mendham hopes to work towards a winning season next year. With eyes on a second championship, the marching band is recruiting new members, especially in the Color Guard. The Color Guard is open to anybody; no musical experience is required, and those with dance backgrounds are encouraged to join. Senior Charlotte Lindsey, who plays the trombone in marching band, encouraged, “You do not need to play an instrument in Color Guard. You can be part of our, you know, award winning program, join the marching band family, without even having to play an instrument.”
As a result of the marching band’s hard work, energy, and dedication, the 2025 season ended on a high note, leaving Mendham High School and The Mighty Sound of Mendham anticipating even greater success in 2026.